3 Memory Sticks on a dual channel mobo

[jjpadinske]

This is the mobo im buying as of now, and I know it supports dual channel mode and it has 4 slots, if I buy 3 sticks of 2 gb of the same type, the first two will run dual channel while the 3rd will run in single channel mode? MY OS is 64 bit so I can use the extra ram efficiently, but is there a downside, will using a single channel and dual channel have any effects on how my system using RAM or would still using 6 gb be alot faster than say 4GB, I am thinking yes cause it seems obvious but i thought i would double check. Thanks



Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131655

 

[teaser]

it wont run in dual channel using three sticks of ram you need two sticks or four sticks...... of the same type....

 

[tecmo34]

Read through this article: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ram-memory-upgrade,2778.html

There is not a major benefit in doing so. I would just go with a 4GB (2x2GB) set for your build. To answer your other question, two will run in dual-channel and one will run in single-channel, which will have little to no effect (you won't notice in real world applications).

 

[jjpadinske]

Thanks guys I appreciate it!

 

[jaquith]

Often it 'can' run 3 sticks especially those listed per QVL Memory List, however it 'breaks' the Dual Channel. See http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=fLIjRELzxMxkH2UQ the effects are per 'benchmarks' only, you won't 'feel' the loss. The most 'efficient is 2 sticks of RAM over 3 or 4 sticks.

Also, unless your CPU is a 6-core don't purchase RAM faster than 1600 MHz; otherwise you'll need to under-clock the RAM to 1600 MHz.

Unless you're doing a lot of rendering {CAD, Photoshop w/huge file sizes, or Video} 4GB {2X2GB} is sufficient with a 64-bit OS. If you want more then {2X4GB} would be my first choice. In addition, if you purchase a Tri Channel 'Matched' set then more than likely you will NOT be able to add a 4th stick because of BIN Sorted Sets. If the 'odd' stick is mis-matched the BIOS sees it as defective and will shutdown/disable the 1 or both sticks in that channel.

Work off either the QVL list above of the Corsair AMD list -> http://www.corsair.com/memory-3/amd-memory-solutions/phenom-ii.html

Good Luck!

 

[jjpadinske]

I think I am actually going to go with 2x4GB off of newegg as its only $110.00, this computer is for my buddy and he wants it for gaming but he is also on a budget, so I was thinking how much difference 4GB to 6 to 8 would make seeing as how I could save him almost 60 or 70 bucks downgrading to 4GB of ram, but after reading that article and several other links off google it seems 8GB might be the way to go. The CPU I picked for him is either going to be a triple or quad core and I actually was going to just ask about the 2000 OC on memory and my motherboard only supporting 1600 but you just answered that haha. Why do you need a 6 core CPU to run overclocked memory that is 2000 MHz?

 

[jaquith]

The IMC {Integrated Memory Controller} is faster on the 6-Cores than the other AMD CPUs. In addition, I would STRONGLY recommend that you verify that the RAM is indeed compatible with your AMD MOBO. Hence the 'lists.'

In addition, you can input your MOBO into RAM Configurators at the RAM Mfg's site, but I'm familiar enough with the ASUS M4A89TD PRO/USB3 to know most don't list it.

Example, G.SKILL - you can reverse look-up the Chipsets supported, the ASUS in your case is AMD 890.

 

[jjpadinske]

Oh ya sorry I changed the mobo to, not just the RAM, but ya your right that RAM is not supported by the motherboard link above.

 

[jaquith]

Duh, then what MOBO & CPU??

 

[jjpadinske]

No idea, still looking, I just do not see a need to spend 180$ on one.

 

[jaquith]

Look at the games you like to play and determine the GPU requirements + some more for future games. If you're just using Office Apps then it really doesn't matter too much, prioritize CPU and SSD/HDD.

Determine your Budget but don't be penny wise and dollar oops! Next, you need to settle on the CPU, then the GPU, then the SSD/HDD -- lastly pick a MOBO that will accommodate all that stuff.

Blah, Blah, etc.

 

[jjpadinske]

I was just going to ask where you normally start for your computer builds, but whats hard is at the end picking your mobo then picking the RAM supported by the mobo and then the total config being out of the price range.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to EVERYONE'S problem, it adds up fast. People cheap-out the MOBO, RAM and PSU which for the longevity of the rig isn't smart.

If you state your total price range maybe 'we' can help put it all together. Also, what is the PC being used for - gaming, office, etc. If gaming then what games and monitor resolution?

 

[jjpadinske]

Well my friend just said he wants to be able to run any modern game "well", thats about as much detail as he gives me, his price range is 800, however he already has a montior, mouse, and keyboard. I figured that either the Radeon 5830 or 5850 would work well to run pretty much any game on a respectable resolution with high details. For the processor I was thinking either the AMD Athlon 2 x3 or x4, the quad is only 20$ more, however I figured saving money in that area to settle for a triple core would be fine. Which is because I have a AMD Athlon 2 x3 2.8 GHz and a Radeon 4870 and I can still run most modern games at 1920x1080 with medium to high details and shading, now when i put the anti aliasing up thats a different a story haha but nonetheless his CPU and Video card will blow mine away. So really I need help with the motherboard mainly, but what is your opinion on the CPU, there is 2 triple core processors one is 80 off of newegg and the other is like 85 or 87 with a small inhance in performance and then there is the quad core for 10 to 20$ more I can get a 3.0GHz quad core. But 20 on a budget is a lot of money if it is only going to have a small increase in performance. And games are only beginning to use multi cores efficiently which is why I think saving 20 and going with a triple core would be fine.

 

[jaquith]

I'm not the best at configuring mid range PC's, I't start here and upgrade the GPU -> http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/AMD_Hex_Core_Configurator/ and change to an HD 5850, X4 955 Black and a 700W PSU.

Next, shop the parts at newegg.com and look for 'combo' deals.

Good Luck!

 

[jjpadinske]

Thanks, I really appreciated your help.

 

[jaquith]

^Yep 3-sticks, as stated with my first post with the caveats mentioned.