Dual / Quad Channel RAM - help

[Tac]

I'm running 4gb in my MSI 870A-G54 motherboard. I'd like to upgrade my RAM to max 16gb.


In newegg I see two upgrades:

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXM

    Cas Latency: 9
    Voltage: 1.35V
    Multi-channel Kit: Quad Channel Kit
    Timing: 9-9-9-24


G.SKILL Sniper Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBSR1

    Cas Latency: 9
    Voltage: 1.35V
    Multi-channel Kit: Dual Channel Kit
    Timing: 9-9-9-24


Theres also a pair just like the above that aren't low voltage ( i really dont care about voltage..i dont overclock).

Thing is, in the motherboard's specs it states its ram slots support dual channel and no mention of quad channel. Looking at sources on the internet I see many mentions that quad-channel is just a marketing gimmick and that the quad channel set of 4 ram sticks will work a-ok in any dual channel mobo as long as it supports the DDRX/PCXXXX RAM type (which my mobo does support the ram type listed above).


If skuzzy could yay or nay it I'd appreciate it.

[ebfd11]

Tac I have the 16 gig of Ripsaw in my rig and i couldn't be happier. Also when it says dual channel it can handle the 2 different speeds of RAM, 1333 and 1066 speed. Also the MB you have only handles the 1333 and 1066 speed and the Ripsaw is 1600 so if you get it your RAM speed will be choked down to 1333 if i am correct.

You might try this combo it matches your MB specs for memory and gives you the 16 gig like you are looking for.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233190

And Corsair makes a good product.

LawnDart

[ebfd11]

Tac per a PM from TD he posted this.

The MSI 870A-G54 will support up to:

Memory Speeds Supported:   DDR3-2000 (O.C.), DDR3-1800 (O.C.), DDR3-1600 (O.C.), DDR3-1333DDR3-1066, DDR3-800.

TD

So i hope this helps you out.

LawnDart

[FLS]

What does 16 gigs do that you can't do as well with 4 gigs?

[ebfd11]

FLS I use 16 gig just because of speed on loading page files, also with the game it renders alot quicker, (or so I think)

LawnDart

[Tac]

I know my mobo supports the DDR 1600 PC12800... I built a friend an identical system to mine with 16gb ram (he bought the advertised dual channel kit though).

Thing is, the quad kit is cheaper than the dual channel kits @ 16gb same brand & specs. So im just wondering if it will work with a quad channel kit.

FLS: some games choke on 4gb nowadays.

[FLS]

Do you guys have a link? I'm not saying you're wrong, I just haven't seen anything yet that says more than 4 Gigs is useful.

[guncrasher]

Which version of windows do you have 32 or 64?


Semp

[ebfd11]

32 bit is limited to a max of 4 gig of memory where as 64 bit is unlimited.

[FLS]

My understanding is that 32 bit games running on a 64 bit OS don't benefit from more than 4 gigs although up to 8 gigs may reduce load times since the OS and video card can each use 4 gigs. More than 8 gigs and the video card still only uses 4 gigs max. I have 8 gigs but I don't notice a difference over 4. I don't know if more than 8 gigs makes a difference with a 64 bit game like DCS A10C. I just wondered if anyone had any game performance numbers other than synthetic benchmarks.

[Tac]

winxp 64 bit pro and amd 64bit quad core chipset.

[guncrasher]

Check your mobo ram compatibility some can't run ddr3.  I think you mention you currently have ddr2.  And there is the chance that if you get 8 that it won't be able to post.

Semp

[Tac]

I've already stated I know my system supports that ram type. Its the dual/quad channel that I've a question with.

[TequilaChaser]

Tac,

it is a typo  edit: well not really a typo, just not explained clearly on the specs.........  both kits you have listed/questioned are  "quad kits" of (4)  4 Gig DIMMS capable of running in "Dual Channel Mode"

( btw,  Quad channel is mainly used in Workstation PC's  or Servers........  and some  of the Intel High End PC's offer you  "Triple Channel" ................ so yes the memory could be used in a Server that utilizes "Quad Channel" ..... but both of the ones you listed will work identically for the purpose you are needing them for.......... )


hope this helps

TC

[Masherbrum]

Some MB's do not like all four slots being used.