12GB vs 8GB Dual channel?

[BreadWhistle]

So I ordered 8GB of memory from Patriot, but 1 stick came DOA. Since Patriot is stupid and doesn't sell Viper 3 memory in 4GBs, I had to buy a whole another 8GB kit, so now I have 12GB. So my question is, is there any down side to having 3 x 4GB memory in a dual channel motherboard (Asrock Z77 Performance)? Or should I just run 8GB in dual channel?

 

[cin19]

Yes, it is OK and you can run the Dual-channel with three DIMMs. Put the new 8GB kit in 1/2 slots and theold one in 3 or 4, then there is no down side.

Rules to enable dual-channel mode, check the link( for intel MB) http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-011965.htm

 

[k1114]

You would actually be in flex mode. There won't be a difference in performance over 8gb anyways since you are only gaming. You didn't have to buy another kit, wherever you bought it from should accept returns and give you another kit for replacement. Or you can go through patriot's support.

 

[BreadWhistle]

You would actually be in flex mode. There won't be a difference in performance over 8gb anyways since you are only gaming. You didn't have to buy another kit, wherever you bought it from should accept returns and give you another kit for replacement. Or you can go through patriot's support.

I guess it is running in flex 2 + 1 mode, as CPU-Z tells me its in dual channel mode at the moment. Thanks.