How many banks of memory should I optimally use?

allanmb

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Mar 19, 2012
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I have a DDR3 motherboard with 4 memory slots. How many should I be using? Will I have an advantage if I use 3 slots?

My hardware:
Asus M4a785TD-M Evo Motherboard
AMD Athlon x4 600e 2.2GHz CPU
4GB DDR3 1333MHz (2x2GB)
GeForce 9500GT 1GB Fanless GFX
Samsung 1.5TB Green storage HD
OCZ Agility SSD 60GB boot HD

Thanks
Allan
 

ricardois

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Dec 21, 2011
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it is a Dual Channel motherboard meaning it will work in pairs very well, so it is recommended to use minimum 2 memory slots normally you use them intercaled something like this:
[X][ ][X][ ]
there will be no problem using all the 4 slots if you need, but for optimal performance i would say 2 or 4 sockets used.

also make sure all memory match same size/speed.

i would recommend you Corsair memory.
 

aqe040466

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Nov 29, 2011
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Populate all of them up to 16 GB to enjoy the performance of dual channel memory.
 

allanmb

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Mar 19, 2012
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I tried putting them in the configuration you recommended but my Windows Experience Index went from 7.3 down to 7.0. So I have put them back into the following configuration:
[X][X][ ][ ]

And I checked whilst I was there and I have Corsair memory :)
 

ricardois

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yes sorry, reading motherboard specs, your motherboard dual channel are just like that:
[X][X][ ][ ] or [ ][ ][X][X]
so it is recommended to use one of the above, or fill 4 slots, more than 8 gb memory will not be needed, so if you are using 2x 4gb i don't think you will need anything more. if you are using 2x2gb adding more 2x2gb would be nice match same specs, same memory if possible.
 

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