Does RAM need to be matched set for triple channel?

[ShadowMage016]

I'm looking to upgrade the amount of RAM in my computer from 6 GB to 24 GB. My motherboard supports triple channel and right now I'm running 3 x 2 GB sticks. I'm considering the following:
3 x 8 GB individual sticks (not a matched set) - this is the cheapest option
2 sets of 3 x 4 GB sticks (2 separate matched sets of 3) - this is the next cheapest
Set of 6 x 4 GB sticks (one matched set of 6) - this is the most expensive

My question is, do I need to have a matched set? Or can I just get the 3 individual sticks to save a little bit of cash? If I can't run individual sticks, can I run two separate sets? Or do they all need to be matched?

 

[CountMike]

If they are absolutely same it's almost guaranteed to work like that, no need to be factory matched.

 

[Tradesman1]

Best to get all in a single set - no guarantees when mixing packaged sets - even of the same exact model, it's a 50/50 crapshoot that they will play nice

 

[CountMike]

That was true once but as long as all have same controller chip it's 99.99% they'll work together nicely. Factory matched sets are largely marketing trick to pay more. Buy them from same stock, at same time, at same store and that's it.

 

[Tradesman1]

Once true? Might want to read through the forums a bit - we get tons of threads daily of people trying to mix DRAM and problem after problem. It was fairly easy to mix back in the DDR2 days but DDR3 today is a whole new story you have XMP vs PnP, low density vs high density, DRAM makers changing chips in a given line - and by the way DRAM itself doesn't have a controller chip - the MC (memory controller) used to be on the mobo now it's int the CPU and it doesn't determine compatibility. Mixing is a 50/50 crapshoot, see item 2 and 6 here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

 

[CountMike]

Once true? Might want to read through the forums a bit - we get tons of threads daily of people trying to mix DRAM and problem after problem. It was fairly easy to mix back in the DDR2 days but DDR3 today is a whole new story you have XMP vs PnP, low density vs high density, DRAM makers changing chips in a given line - and by the way DRAM itself doesn't have a controller chip - the MC (memory controller) used to be on the mobo now it's int the CPU and it doesn't determine compatibility. Mixing is a 50/50 crapshoot, see item 2 and 6 here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

If you read my post you'd see that I was talking about same ram chips just not factory tested for complete compatibility as sets.
Was not talking about MC in CPU or on MB either but control chip/module on every stick that that controls XMP or PnP values.

 

[Tradesman1]

Your talking then about the SPD - which is not a controller chip, all it does is hold info for the MC/BIOS to use - it has nothing to do with compatibility or 'making' the DRAM run

 

[ShadowMage016]

Once true? Might want to read through the forums a bit - we get tons of threads daily of people trying to mix DRAM and problem after problem. It was fairly easy to mix back in the DDR2 days but DDR3 today is a whole new story you have XMP vs PnP, low density vs high density, DRAM makers changing chips in a given line - and by the way DRAM itself doesn't have a controller chip - the MC (memory controller) used to be on the mobo now it's int the CPU and it doesn't determine compatibility. Mixing is a 50/50 crapshoot, see item 2 and 6 here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

Thank you for that link. Very informative. Looks like I'll be spending just a little more to get the kit. Thanks again!