Memory question - 2x8GB + 1x16GB

[Lixma 06]

So having 2x8GB sticks of RAM benefits from dual channel, but what happens if I add a single stick of 16GB on top of that?

 

Does the addition of a third RAM stick negate the dual channel thing? Should I just go with another 2x8?

[NeilWillis]

Always add memory in paired identical banks. Mixing different sized banks is a bad idea, so I would leave this whole thing well alone. If you want more memory, buy matched pairs or there may be a huge performance hit, with no great benefits.

[Johnny_Rico]

it probably wont work

[dburne]

Yep don't try to mix ram.

[BitMaster]

So having 2x8GB sticks of RAM benefits from dual channel, but what happens if I add a single stick of 16GB on top of that?

 

Does the addition of a third RAM stick negate the dual channel thing? Should I just go with another 2x8?

 

It is an allowed config, tho it may or may not work depending on small factors.

 

your 2 identical sticks will be set to 128bit mode for A2+B2, the third "single" stick will be addressable in 64bit width only.

 

so you have 2x8 in 128bit and 1x16 in 64bit.

 

if it works, and chances are high it will, you mostly wont even notice the missing 64bit width on 16gb+ memory table.

 

give it a shot, may try A1 or B1 slot, maybe one is better than the other, i would pick b1 first.

[Lixma 06]

Thanks for the info, chaps.

 

I'd seen some vids on Youtube comparing single versus dual (and quad) channel memory configurations and while there wasn't a massive gain between dual and single rank it was enough to be worth planning for.

 

My intention is/was to buy a single 16GB stick to supplement my existing 2x8GB and then in a month or so replace the 2x8 with another 16GB stick and flog the 2x8 on eBay.

 

And the 16GB sticks I'm looking at are identical speed/vendor to my 8GB sticks so in theory it should work out OK. Fingers crossed.

[Johnny_Rico]

indentical speed/vendor might not matter

 

I had 2 x 4G on an old PC

Bought 2 x 4G , exact same speed/vendor/model

 

They would not play together one set or the other but not both at same time

 

so good luck to you

Edited January 5, 2018 by Johnny_Rico

[Demon_]

My intention is/was to buy a single 16GB stick to supplement my existing 2x8GB and then in a month or so replace the 2x8 with another 16GB stick and flog the 2x8 on eBay.

 

Don't do that.

[BitMaster]

There is some truth to that, all versions above mentioned appear in reality, thing is, you only know what version applies to your motherborad, bios version, module count, version and such ONCE you have tried it.

 

The only thing known for sure is, there is no garanty that it works, it can work but it also may not work, and you cant blame anybody if it won't, just bad luck then.

[Demon_]

What is your rig? Recent or old? Why don't you purchase 2x4GB, 2x8GB or 2x16GB later? DCS run ok with 16GB.

Sticks of RAM are sold in pairs at the speed/timing announced and warranted. They cross their finger for you...

 

 

Oups..LoL...EDIT.

Edited January 5, 2018 by Demon_

[cichlidfan]

Why don't you purchase 2x4GB, 2x8GB or 2x16GB later? DCS run ok with 16GB.

 

^^This.

 

Save your money until you can buy a pair. Memory can be very fussy unless you have two sticks that were matched by the vendor.

[Lixma 06]

^^This.

 

Save your money until you can buy a pair. Memory can be very fussy unless you have two sticks that were matched by the vendor.

 

Probably the wisest move.