Solved: Triple Channel vs Dual Channel

ADHockUK · 09-17-2009

Evening PCHF

In the coming weeks will be building my new PC and wanted to ask for some memory advice. I currently have a 4GB set of this:
Corsair Dominator 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 XMS2 PC2-8500C5 TwinX Supplied with Airflow Fan (TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF)
and planning on buying another matched set to make 8GB for the new build.
However I was wondering if I would get better performance buying a 6GB tri channel set like this:
Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Triple Channel (TR3X6G1333C9)

The PC's main use will be for gaming aside from usual browsing, watching DVD's etc.

Thanks.

driver_ian · 09-17-2009

Hi Adhock,
I'll mark this as Open for you to encourage those who know to respond

Thanks for your patience

moparfan · 09-17-2009

If your new build is an Intel Core i7 proc then yes tri-channel is the ONLY way to go. Running in dual channel actually will hurt performance even with more or better RAM. Make sure you follow the motherboard manufacturers recommendations for module placement as intel X58 based motherboards don't automatically use the closest RAM slot to the CPU in tri-channel. Hope this helps you...please rate

moparfan · 09-17-2009

Also remember that i7 PC's use DDR3 not DDR2

Cobracon · 09-17-2009

To expand on moparfan's reply, please note that triple channel specific RAM is designed to operate on a much lower voltage than dual channel specific RAM. In this case, 1.5 volts vs. 2.2 volts.

moparfan · 09-17-2009

Agree with Cobracon about the voltage issue of course it's really not too important if your MB only takes one kind of RAM or if your overclocking. This of course does not apply to AMD's new procs that can run either DDR2 or 3 memory

ADHockUK · 09-17-2009

Thanks for the replies

I was not planning on getting an i7 CPU, was looking at one of the AM3 Phenom quad cores. All I was really looking for was a generic yes or no. Perhaps its not as simple as that but you're comments are noted and I thank you

09-17-2009	#1
ADHockUK Bronze Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 34 PC Experience: Experienced	Triple Channel vs Dual Channel Evening PCHF In the coming weeks will be building my new PC and wanted to ask for some memory advice. I currently have a 4GB set of this: Corsair Dominator 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 XMS2 PC2-8500C5 TwinX Supplied with Airflow Fan (TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF) and planning on buying another matched set to make 8GB for the new build. However I was wondering if I would get better performance buying a 6GB tri channel set like this: Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Triple Channel (TR3X6G1333C9) The PC's main use will be for gaming aside from usual browsing, watching DVD's etc. Thanks.

09-17-2009	#2
driver_ian Moderator Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Plymouth.England Posts: 2,239 PC Experience: to learn a little, I messed up a lot	Re: Triple Channel vs Dual Channel Hi Adhock, I'll mark this as Open for you to encourage those who know to respond Thanks for your patience __________________ There's teamwork in Moderation.......I will always do my best to help. Prework

09-17-2009	#3
moparfan Bronze Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Clover, SC Posts: 40 PC Experience: Experienced	Re: Triple Channel vs Dual Channel If your new build is an Intel Core i7 proc then yes tri-channel is the ONLY way to go. Running in dual channel actually will hurt performance even with more or better RAM. Make sure you follow the motherboard manufacturers recommendations for module placement as intel X58 based motherboards don't automatically use the closest RAM slot to the CPU in tri-channel. Hope this helps you...please rate

09-17-2009	#4
moparfan Bronze Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Clover, SC Posts: 40 PC Experience: Experienced	Re: Triple Channel vs Dual Channel Also remember that i7 PC's use DDR3 not DDR2

09-17-2009	#5
Cobracon Deceptively Clever CC&BW Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North of Hurricane Bay & South of Tornado Alley "Stuck-in-the-Middle", MS. Posts: 1,460 PC Experience: D'OH!! *&^%$#@!	Re: Triple Channel vs Dual Channel To expand on moparfan's reply, please note that triple channel specific RAM is designed to operate on a much lower voltage than dual channel specific RAM. In this case, 1.5 volts vs. 2.2 volts. __________________ "Have you scanned the RAM timings for Operator's Headspace?? Too much real estate between the audio collectors will block the connection which allows proper operation of your computer." *__Cobra* PCHF best helps those who best help themselves. *PC Guru you say.........? Are you suuuuure about that?*

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