General question about dual channel memory.

[Guest]

This may sound like a stupid question, but I am unsure of the answer so I want to go ahead and ask it.

I am debating getting 16gb of RAM. Before anyone says anything, I know most people do not recommend it from prior discussions I have read. However 8 gb will be allocated to MY computer, and 8gb to a friends.

My questions centeres on whether there is a difference between purchasing a matched set of 2x4gb sticks or 4x4gb sticks.

I want to know if there would be any issue simply getting a 16 gb set and splitting it in half. Would that cause any problems compatibility wise. If I give 8 gigs to him and use 8 myself would there be any issue as far as splitting up the 4x4g sticks, or would it be better to get 2 different sets of 8gb.

I hope I am clear in my description of my question.

Thanks to any and all who respond. Like I said it may be a stupid question, but I just don't want to buy something that wont work.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Hmm...I recommend as much RAM as you want and or need, so there.

ANS1 - 2x4GB vs 4x4GB, if the goal is 16GB then always get a full matched kit of 4x4GB.

ANS2 - 2x4GB (you) vs 4x4GB (friend and you) - the XMP Profile in a 2x4GB vs 4x4GB even where there's a 'seemingly' similar kit(s) is indeed slightly different. The variances are on how the deeper timings and voltages are set; i.e. beyond (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS-CMD) and DRAM voltage. So therefore no, it's not ideal for either you or your friend to split a 4x4GB into 2(2x4GB); the differences spiting are minor and other voltages might be set higher than they need to be and deeper CAS Timings slightly slower. It 'can' be done. Further, most 4x4GB kits cost slightly more than two 2(2x4GB), os it's a lose/lose.

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your informative response.

I appreciate the info as honestly I am somewhat of a newbie when it comes to piecing together my own computer. I have to confess that the question stems from an aesthetic problem vs a functional one, but I think that gives me the answer I was looking for.

The aforementioned friend and I are looking to get a set of low profile RAM for both of our new comps. With the mobo we are purchasing, the RAM we were going to go with was Corsair vengeance, debating 8 or 16gbs. Seeing that the price for RAM is not that high, we are leaning towards 16 and were going to split the RAM, 2x4 blue, and 2x4 black simply for the aesthetics of the board.

Now I can buy 2 8 gig sets of each, as that sounds from your answer like it could work. The timing on both sets would be 9-9-9-24, so it looks as though that could be another direction to go.

If you think any of my logic is wrong or I should just stick with the 4x4gb, please don't hesitate to respond.

 

[jaquith]

The Blue and Black can work together, in 'this case' get (2) kits of 4x4GB.

Get the CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B + CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B (not the CMZ16GX3M4X1600C9 *different IC's). Get both of these - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%2050001459%20600006073%20600006127&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=147%7C20-145-347%5E20-145-347-TS%2C20-233-143%5E20-233-143-TS

This is ASSUMING (Yours = 16GB) and (Friend = 16GB).

I assume you're going for this look of Blue | Black | Blue | Black or visa-versa:

 

[Guest]

Has to be low profile memory to acommodate the Noctua Heatsink we are planning on, so unfortunately the linked memory wont work. Already purchased it and now have to return it =(

Would THESE two sets work.

CML8GX3M2A1600C9B
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-Profile-1600mhz-PC3-12800/dp/B0058J1Q7O/ref=sr_1_14?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1334166998&sr=1-14


CML8GX3M2A1600C9
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-Profile-PC3-12800-CML8GX3M2A1600C9/dp/B00569K7LM/ref=sr_1_11?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1334166998&sr=1-11

BTW, thank you so much for this little crash course. Also, if you would recommend the 4x4gb set, above the 2 2 gb sets, then I completely understand, and would rather go with the better more stable option.

Yes we would both be going with 16gb in this scenario.

BINGO on the look. On the new ASUS P8Z77-V deluxe Motherboard.

 

[jaquith]

Yes to CML8GX3M2A1600C9/B, IF 8GB (total/PC) 2x4GB is the goal CML8GX3M2A1600C9B + CML8GX3M2A1600C9 is fine.

No to CML8GX3M2A1600C9/B, IF 16GB (total/PC) 4x4GB is the goal CML16GX3M4A1600C9B + CML16GX3M4A1600C9 is fine.

16GB total options; CML16GX3M4A1600C9/B for a Noctua NH-D14 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%2050001459%20600006073%20600006127&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=147%7C20-145-347%5E20-145-347-TS%2C20-233-143%5E20-233-143-TS%2C20-233-197%5E20-233-197-TS%2C20-233-198%5E20-233-198-05%23

 

[Guest]

Ok, so if I am taking the correct information out of the last 2 responses from you, it looks like if I bought 2 16GB sets, say CML16GX3M4A1600C9 & CML16GX3M4A1600C9B that is what we would want. However one of those you linked shows Quad channel memory, but that motherboard only supports dual channel.

Maybe I am overthinking or overanalyzing it. I am just trying to figure out how to do 8gb Black & 8gb Blue for both of our computers.

 

[jaquith]

If NewEgg was a 100% right all of the time I'd faint. Per Corsair -> http://www.corsair.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=CML16GX3M4A1600C9 both kits should be linked.

Again, for 16GB Your PC and 16GB Friend's PC:
Buy 1 Kit of = CML16GX3M4A1600C9B
Buy 1 Kit of = CML16GX3M4A1600C9

Both kits are identical except in color, the IC's are the same and will work in -- AI Overclock Tuner -> XMP and below that use Profile1.

Your PC 16GB:
CPU: | Blue 4GB | Black 4GB | Blue 4GB | Black 4GB |

Friend's PC 16GB:
CPU: | Blue 4GB | Black 4GB | Blue 4GB | Black 4GB |

 

[Guest]

LOL, Agreed on NewEgg. It shouldnt matter which 2 of which packet because theoretically they should all be the same , just give him 2 sticks of each, and we should be golden.


Thank you SOOOOO much. I truly appreciate the answers and your time. Have a great day jaquith.

 

[jaquith]

Good Luck -- and aesthetics do count!!!

Enjoy!

 

[Guest]

Best answer selected by unfriend.

 

[Guest]

Good Luck -- and aesthetics do count!!!

Enjoy!

Precisely my thoughts. =)

 

[pixelgazer]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Hmm...I recommend as much RAM as you want and or need, so there.

ANS1 - 2x4GB vs 4x4GB, if the goal is 16GB then always get a full matched kit of 4x4GB.

ANS2 - 2x4GB (you) vs 4x4GB (friend and you) - the XMP Profile in a 2x4GB vs 4x4GB even where there's a 'seemingly' similar kit(s) is indeed slightly different. The variances are on how the deeper timings and voltages are set; i.e. beyond (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS-CMD) and DRAM voltage. So therefore no, it's not ideal for either you or your friend to split a 4x4GB into 2(2x4GB); the differences spiting are minor and other voltages might be set higher than they need to be and deeper CAS Timings slightly slower. It 'can' be done. Further, most 4x4GB kits cost slightly more than two 2(2x4GB), os it's a lose/lose.

Hi Jaquith,
Regarding the differences in timing settings between two-module kits and four-module kits.
What's your opinion on/experience in joining two CML8GX3M2A1600C9B kits to get 16GB on a p8z68-v pro board?

Thanks!

Regards,
pixelgazer

 

[m trinh]

I tried the Black cml8gx3m2a1600c9 module in my Dell Studio XPS 435MT and it won't work, but the Blue cml8gx3m2a1600c9B works fine so i don't know what is the difference between these two RAM modules. Anyone got idea? Thanks

 

[pixelgazer]

I tried the Black cml8gx3m2a1600c9 module in my Dell Studio XPS 435MT and it won't work, but the Blue cml8gx3m2a1600c9B works fine so i don't know what is the difference between these two RAM modules. Anyone got idea? Thanks

Only the white variety has different specs. It can operate at a lower voltage than the others. The black and blue ones should be technically identical. I have 4 x 4GB blue ones in a p8z68-v pro. Seems to work best in that config if I use the X.M.P. settings from the SPD.

Maybe the black one you got is just faulty. Test it in another PC if you can. If it boots, run memtest. If a bunch of hard-errors turn up, you can contact Corsair. Their warranty used to be good.

 

[m trinh]

Thanks for the info. i will try and see if i can find another PC that uses ddr3 to test. i got the Black Vengeance off EBay so hopefully i can get refund if its faulty.
Thanks