Dual-Channel vs. Tri-Channel

[jonpaul37]

Ok, so here is a weird question.

I was able to score a free Tri-Channel RAM kit (3 x 4GB) for like $20.00

My question is, if i look up the actual part number on Newegg (G.Skill F3-12800CL9T-12GBRL) it shows as a Tri-Channel kit, but can i just use two of the 4GB sticks for Dual-Channel purposes in an ASUS P8P67 Deluxe motherboard? Or, is it just limited to Tri-Channel and instead it would not run in Dual-Channel mode.

Thanks in advance!

 

[noidea_77]

It will run in dual-channel with two and even three sticks. It's only the number of sticks with the exact same specs in one package.

 

[jonpaul37]

so my next question is...

Now that i have an extra 4GB stick from the following Tri-Channel kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231358

Will i be able to buy the following 4GB stick and use it in Dual-Channel with the extra stick listed above?: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231313

 

[k1114]

It should work. 3 sticks would be single channel. P67 does support flex mode, but that doesn't always work so well. It's not like dual vs single makes much difference anyways.

 

[jonpaul37]

Aye, that is what i figured, for dual-channel to be running, there can only be two sticks - plugged into the same color slots or 4 sticks that are all the same specs...

Thanks for the input fellas, easier to ask the community as opposed to trying to google and search when my work limits me on what websites i can search.

 

[jonpaul37]

one more question. Will there be any issues slotting an Ivy Bridge CPU in an ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (pre b3 stepping -SATA 3.0 bug) or can I just update the BIOS and letter rip?!

 

[gskill support]

You will need the latest BIOS for the motherboard.

You can use three modules and maintain dual channel mode.

You can try adding another single module, but it is not fully guaranteed since it was not factory tested with your triple channel kit. Slight variations can cause incompatibility, or inability to operate the rated specifications.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

 

[jonpaul37]

G.Skill guy! Thanks for the info, now that I know it may not work, what do you think the likelihood is if I use one stick from F3-12800CL9T-12GBRL (Tri-Channel Kit) and a single stick of F3-12800CL9S-4GBRL that it works? Just a ballpark %-age will suffice, if it is over 65%, I will buy it.

Or, perhaps you can send me a link to buy just one 4GB stick from the Tri-Channel kit i listed above

Or, you can send me one for free

 

[gskill support]

Realistically, it's 50/50. We have not tested the two modules together, we do not know which chips are used, so we have no idea whether they can work together. It does not matter if you buy single module of tri-channel kit or just the single module, chances are still the same. The only way to find out is to buy and try. But if you do have compatibility problems, contact the G.Skill RMA dept. to see what they can do for you to have 4 modules working properly in your system.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

 

[jonpaul37]

thanks again!