12GB RAM - 3x4GB or 2x4GB+2x2GB

[todo1]

12GB RAM
1. 3x4GB
2. 2x4GB+2x2GB

Note the motherboard does not support triple channel. It supports dual channel only. Option 2 has a clear plus there.

What are other plus'es and minus'es.

 

[jaquith]

Assuming the following all are DDR3 with the SAME EXACT Frequency, CAS Timings, Voltage and Type including RAM IC's:

My preference is neither.

12GB RAM
1. 3x4GB ; non Dual Channel ; if the CPU has a good IMC the difference is minimal but <1% slower.
2. 2x4GB+2x2GB ; Dual Channel no real cons

My preference if 12GB is the 'goal' is to GUARANTEE 100% Rated Compatibility, so 'I' would only purchase a MATCHED SET of 4x4GB especially if the Frequency is DDR3 1600 MHz or higher. The 4GB/stick density is so cheap per GB that I only recommend 2x4GB or 4x4GB Sets. Some 2x4GB + 2x4GB/2x2GB will NOT run at Rated speeds as I said ≥ 1600 MHz.

 

[todo1]

I should have given more info:
CPU: i7 2600.
RAM - 1333MHz.

so no pluses/minuses apart from dual-channel thing?

and how important is the dual-channel??

 

[jaquith]

Well I don't go out of my way to deliberately cripple my systems over a few bucks. As I mentioned you'll loose <1% of the RAM's performance in non-Dual Channel mode.

My Motto = "Do it Right..." not "Do it Wrong..."

Just get DDR3 ____ MHz @ 1.50v and as I said "SAME EXACT Frequency, CAS Timings, Voltage and Type including RAM IC's."

What Kits?