Triple channel memory

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by maya77, Dec 26, 2010.

  1. maya77

    maya77 MDL Member

    Aug 30, 2009
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    #1 maya77, Dec 26, 2010
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2010
    Hi there.

    I wish to use 12GB of RAM on Sabertooth x58 motherboard with Core i7-950.

    Memory I'm planning to buy is Kingston Hyper-X DDR3 4GB (2x2).

    If I buy three of these and install them in 6 slots (6x2GB) will triple channel be enabled?

    Or I need to use "special" 3 or 6 stick packs?
     
  2. 2centsworth

    2centsworth MDL Senior Member

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    #2 2centsworth, Dec 27, 2010
    You need a matched set of DIMM's and best to first check the vendors QVL (QUalified Vendor list) for RAM tested to work with your computer. DDR3 not listed on your motherboards QVL may not work.
     
  3. maya77

    maya77 MDL Member

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    #3 maya77, Dec 28, 2010 (OP)
    It's not listed on QVL for my motherboard, I guess because it's limited Black edition, not widely used.

    So it should probably work with no problems if I use exactly the same DIMMs, and properly inserted?
     
  4. dabits

    dabits Guest

    #4 dabits, Dec 28, 2010
    If it's not listed on QVL you won't know for sure until you try it.
    Use Google, maybe you find more info.
     
  5. Bosh

    Bosh MDL Developer

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    #5 Bosh, Dec 30, 2010
  6. alextheg

    alextheg MDL Expert

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    #6 alextheg, Dec 30, 2010
    You need to be careful matching RAM to your board, especially running an i7 CPU. If the RAM you want to buy is not in the QVL list dont buy it. RAM needs to be just right or you are going to end up with sticks that wont work right.

    I know this from experience. By the way, yes you must have 3 or 6 dimms occupied to activate triple channel mode. Worth noting that atm there is not a massive performance increase between ddr2 and ddr3. Just FYI.
     
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  7. 2centsworth

    2centsworth MDL Senior Member

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    #7 2centsworth, Dec 31, 2010
    If it's not listed on the QVL, chances are it won't run reliably in triple channel mode. Black Edition simply means it has another set timings in the SPD that can be used more agressively (essentially overclocked usually requiring higher voltage to maintain stability).

    Some Motherboard vendors like Asus have DDR3 compatibility test routine built into the firmware allowing some RAM not on the QVL to be tested quickly for compatibility.

    12GB is a lot of RAM.
     
  8. maya77

    maya77 MDL Member

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    #8 maya77, Dec 31, 2010 (OP)
    Very similar non-Black sticks are on the list, so I hope Black will work just fine too. I'll report back once I get it.
     
  9. 2centsworth

    2centsworth MDL Senior Member

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    #9 2centsworth, Jan 1, 2011
  10. cynics

    cynics MDL Novice

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    #10 cynics, Jan 29, 2011
    get matched rams for best compatibility and reliability.
     
  11. burfadel

    burfadel MDL EXE>MSP/CAB

    Aug 19, 2009
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    #11 burfadel, Jan 30, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2011
    Also check the voltage requirements. The Intel Core i(x)'s have specific voltage requirements.

    Having 2 slots per memory channel utilised in a dual or triple core system may make things more unpredictable in terms of system stability...