Three RAM modules?

johnnyrapid
Junior Member

10-10-2016, 07:33 AM

You're thinking about upgrading your older computer's RAM. It currently has one 8GB DDR3 stick, and you're considering adding a 16GB kit with two 8GB sticks. Keeping the existing 8GB stick for a total of 24GB is possible, but you'll need to ensure dual-channel compatibility works. Since you've only installed two or four sticks before, mixing dual and single channels might cause issues. Double-check your motherboard's specifications to confirm it supports dual-channel with the configuration you plan.

johnnyrapid

10-10-2016, 07:33 AM #1

xxvasile99xx
Member

10-12-2016, 05:56 PM

well it will run in single channel what is your ram speed and cpu?

xxvasile99xx

10-12-2016, 05:56 PM #2

well it will run in single channel what is your ram speed and cpu?

gostkillerFG
Member

10-18-2016, 05:17 PM

It might not function, but you could still attempt it.

gostkillerFG

10-18-2016, 05:17 PM #3

It might not function, but you could still attempt it.

xPo
Junior Member

11-01-2016, 02:26 AM

It seems 3 dimms perform worse than 2 in terms of bandwidth and overall use. However, if your tasks need more RAM and aren't bandwidth-heavy, it could still be worth considering.

xPo

11-01-2016, 02:26 AM #4

It seems 3 dimms perform worse than 2 in terms of bandwidth and overall use. However, if your tasks need more RAM and aren't bandwidth-heavy, it could still be worth considering.

Pxnther
Junior Member

11-03-2016, 10:39 PM

It should function. The effectiveness depends on your motherboard, and dual-channel performance might vary—worth testing.

Pxnther

11-03-2016, 10:39 PM #5

It should function. The effectiveness depends on your motherboard, and dual-channel performance might vary—worth testing.

Exteur38
Member

11-04-2016, 09:22 PM

Only dual channel speeds are available up to 16GB of usage, after that it switches to single channel. Flex mode is now fully supported.

Exteur38

11-04-2016, 09:22 PM #6

Only dual channel speeds are available up to 16GB of usage, after that it switches to single channel. Flex mode is now fully supported.

PegasusCrafter
Junior Member

11-04-2016, 10:04 PM

Mixing RAM can sometimes cause issues, but if you separate the identical RAM sticks into different slots, the rest will operate in FLEX mode. The first 16GB will use dual-channel bandwidth, while the remaining 8GB will function as a single channel.

PegasusCrafter

11-04-2016, 10:04 PM #7

Hidekih
Posting Freak

849

11-05-2016, 12:07 AM

I've experienced a 2+1 RAM configuration in dual-channel mode prior, though it was during the DDR2 period.

Hidekih

11-05-2016, 12:07 AM #8

I've experienced a 2+1 RAM configuration in dual-channel mode prior, though it was during the DDR2 period.

IANGWU
Junior Member

11-05-2016, 01:09 AM

Also noted: For early Core i-series models (ix-xxx), pay attention to the 8GB DIMM capacity—matching it is best. I've tested 3x8GB across first, second, and third generation, and everything functions properly.

IANGWU

11-05-2016, 01:09 AM #9

uJolfy
Member

11-11-2016, 03:35 PM

#10

Looks like it should function well (16GB dual, 8GB single), though if the hardware evolves it might change. It’s likely an i5-3570k with an ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP. The current RAM is Crucial Ballistix Tactical DDR3 1600. I just set up a new machine adding a few affordable upgrades, intended for my kids to play and use. Around 24GB seems too much, so I avoided mixing different stick sizes. Thanks everyone for your support!

uJolfy

11-11-2016, 03:35 PM #10