Arch Linux

UFOKatarn

Member

Registered: 2010-08-29

Posts: 30

RAM - number of, combinations of modules, dual-/triple ch. [SOLVED]

Hello fellow Archers!

As a long-time PC user, I should probably know this, but I can't find useful info on the web
OR: most probably it's so simple that I shouldn't even be searching for an answer online.

I have a triple-channel DDR3 motherboard, supporting 3+3 modules.

In what manners exactly can I plug RAM modules into the slots?

I curently have 3 modules in triple-channel mode. Could I use just 2 modules, or maybe just 1?

Can I use 2+2 modules - would this make it dual-channel? Will it work or do triple-channel motherboards accept only 3 or 6 modules and don't work with 2 or 4?

Can I put in 3 modules in triple-channel mode and 2 modules in dual-channel mode at the same time? Or 3 in triple-channel and 1 as a standalone single-channel module?

Can different-sized / different-speed / different model or manufacturer modules be combined? I believe multi-channel won't work with different ones, but I may be wrong. Could I use 3 CORSAIR modules of size A and speed B and let's say 2 MUSHKIN modules of size C and speed D? Or any other such combination?

Oh, and when buying modules, they usually come in 1-, 2-, 4- or 8-packs. Is it OK to for example buy a 1-pack and a 2-pack of the same RAM sticks (same manufacturer, same model) and use the three in a triple-channel configuration?

In all the Wikipedia info I read and forums all aroud the web, guides, ... I couldn' find these simple answers anywhere. That's why I'm asking here on my favourite forum.

Thanks guys.

PS:
Mods, I know this isn't Arch-related, so I'm asking you to move the post to another part of the forum if this location is inappropriate. Maybe the noob-section?

Last edited by UFOKatarn (2014-09-23 12:17:03)

graysky

Wiki Maintainer

From: :wq

Registered: 2008-12-01

Posts: 10,732

Website

Re: RAM - number of, combinations of modules, dual-/triple ch. [SOLVED]

DDR3 to my understanding can be run in whatever configuration; you need not pair them.  Best advice is the google the motherboard and obtain a pdf version of the manual to double check.

---

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UFOKatarn

Member

Registered: 2010-08-29

Posts: 30

Re: RAM - number of, combinations of modules, dual-/triple ch. [SOLVED]

Dear GraySky! You always have an answer for everything. Thanks a lot .

It didn't even occur to me to look into the mobo manual. *slaps himswelf on the forehead*

So, if anyone has a similar problem in the future, ber sure to listen to GraySky's advice and look into the documentation for your mobo first.

------- In case anyone is interested, here's what my manual says - it explains everything -------

Dual/3 Channel Memory Configuration

This motherboard provides six DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual/3 Channel Technology.
After the memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specifications and capacity of the memory.
Dual or 3 Channel memory mode may double or triple the original memory bandwidth.

The six DDR3 memory sockets are divided into three channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
Channel 0: DDR3_1, DDR3_2
Channel 1: DDR3_3, DDR3_4
Channel 2: DDR3_5, DDR3_6

Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table
Two Modules: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
Four Modules: DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3, DDR3_4

3 Channel Memory Configurations Table
Three Modules: DDR3_1, DDR3_3, DDR3_5
Six Modules: DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3, DDR3_4, DDR3_5, DDR3_6

Due to chipset limitation, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual or 3 Channel mode.

Dual Channel
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four modules, it is recommended that memory of the same
capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, be
sure to install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_3 sockets.

3 Channel
1. 3 Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one or two DDR3 memory modules are installed.
2. When enabling 3 Channel mode with three or six modules, it is recommended that memory of the same
capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. When enabling 3 Channel mode with three memory modules, be
sure to install them in the DDR3_1, DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 sockets. 

NOTE
If only one DDR3 memory module is installed, be sure to install it in the DDR3_1 or DDR3_3.
When memory modules of different capacity and chips are installed, a message which says memory is operating
in Flex Memory Mode will appear during the POST. Intel® Flex Memory Technology offers greater flexibility to
upgrade by allowing different memory sizes to be populated and remain in Dual/3 Channel mode/performance.

... marking the topic as solved.