Dual channel/triple channel ram

[dafin0]

this might be a stupid questions but i just want to make sure...
will triple channel memory work work on a dual channel motherboard?

from what i gather the RAM is totally the same but triple channel memory is sold in multiples of 3

 

[rockyjohn]

Yes the memory chips are the same. The difference is in the memory controller on the motherboard, not the chips. The triple channel will work on the dual channel motherboard - of course you will want to install 2 or 4 rather than 3 if the motherboard supports dual channel memory.

 

[dafin0]

ok thanks for the info i thought that was the case but i just wanted to make sure.

if i install 3 mem sticks in dual channel will that kill all benefits of dual channel?

 

[rockyjohn]

It depends on the motherboard - the manual should tell you. However, most will automatically revert to single channel with 3 sticks.

 

[dafin0]

It depends on the motherboard - the manual should tell you. However, most will automatically revert to single channel with 3 sticks.

alright thanks again

 

[kg4icg]

in the case of the nehalem cpus and x58/p55 mptherboards, the memory controller is on the cpu/ like wise for amd cpus