Dual Channel Memory

[GXT]

Hi Guys,

I recently put together a PC build, mostly for gaming, but decided to save some money by using some of my previous ram. My main concern/question is regarding dual channel. I'm not sure what all info you need, but my mobo is: ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO LGA 1150 Intel Z97 paired with an Intel Core i7-4790K.

As for my ram options, I have:

- G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 - Timing: 9-9-9-24 Cas: 9, 1.5V
- Kingston 8GB 1600MHz (1 x 8GB) DDR3 - Timing: 10-10-10, Cas: 10, 1.5V

I know that two sticks are ideal for dual channel, so my question is how much of a performance hit, if any, would I face by using two slots with my G.Skill ram and the one other slot with my 1 8GB stick. I know that having two kits would be better than 1.5. I have to think 16GB overall would be better than sticking with 8GB simply to utilize the dual channel, right? I just wanted to confirm to be sure what the best course of action would be. Hopefully my question is clear.

Thank you.

 

[Vic 40]

If you put the 2x4 in one channel (one red+black slot next to each other) and the 1x8 in the other should it in theory work,but mixing ram can give problems so you would just have to try.
For instance,
2x4gb in the first red+black slot right next to the cpu
the 1x8 bg in the red slot that's left.

 

[Tradesman1]

If you put the 2x4 in one channel (one red+black slot next to each other) and the 1x8 in the other should it in theory work,but mixing ram can give problems so you would just have to try.
For instance,
2x4gb in the first red+black slot right next to the cpu
the 1x8 bg in the red slot that's left.

_____________________

+1 and if any problems, give a shout and we can try voltage/timing adjustments

 

[GXT]

If you put the 2x4 in one channel (one red+black slot next to each other) and the 1x8 in the other should it in theory work,but mixing ram can give problems so you would just have to try.
For instance,
2x4gb in the first red+black slot right next to the cpu
the 1x8 bg in the red slot that's left.

This is the setup I went with, currently. I understand this isn't ideal, but I just wanted to confirm whether this was still viable or whether the non-ideal dual channel setup would be more of a hit than having 16GB total ram, you know? I haven't encountered any issues thus far, though. I suppose I can keep this setup if there is no huge hit to performance.

 

[Vic 40]

If it works it works.If no issues are you fine.There will be no performance hit.
You could do some stability tests if you want to be sure,like prime 95 blend or memtest86+ for a few passes.That's up to you.

 

[GXT]

Thank you, Vic, I will run some tests. I've been meaning to run memtest on the setup anyway. Appreciate your advice.

 

[Vic 40]

If memtest shows issues let us know. Tradesman1 is very good with those adjustments he was talking about,they might solve the issues if there.

And you're welcome.😀