Flex Mode vs Dual Channel

[MaceTheAce]

I am planning on upgrading my PC's graphics card, PSU, and ram. I have 6gbs of ram right now(1x4 and 1x2). I am planning on ordering 2x4gb pack. Should I just run 8gbs or should I run 12gbs in flex mode (8gb dual channel and 4gb single/ 3x4gbs ). Is there any drawback from flex mode other then the ram sticks possibly not working together. Also would me running it in flex show any improvements over the 8gbs. I mostly game, but I dabble in video editing, streaming, and recording.

 

[Tradesman1]

First congrats on even knowing about Flex mode 😉 Been a round for years and seems few ever have heard of it . As you mention, big thig will be if the sticks will play together, if they won't give a shout and we can try adjustments. If you were to go 3x4GB you effectively have 8GB running dual channel and the odd 4 will be in single channel mode which is not detrimental to your rig. You can take it a step further and add the 2GB if it will play and have 12 in dual channel mode and the odd two from one of the 4GB sticks in single channel. Mentioned Flex in may FAQs and Fictions articles, FAQs, item 7 here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2741495/ddr3-faqs-fiction.html

 

[MaceTheAce]

I will definitely play around with it. Having that 12gb in dual channel rather then 8gb would be awesome. I can't believe how many people disregard flex mode as an option. I've been making sure everything in my build will go smoothly and almost anytime someone brings up an odd ram setup people say it's not worth it, yet I can't find any reason not to use flex mode. The worst thing that could happen is I need to go in the bios and try and get them to play well together at 1600mhz. Ill definitely check out that link, hopefully learn a little something about what Ill be working on lol.

 

[Tradesman1]

Nothing wrong woith it all, a couple things A) Most don't know about it, even many many claiming to be long time builders and B) the DRAM is the the thing, there are no guarantees when mixing packages of DRAM, even packages of same exactr model of DRAM - however if you have the DRAM might as well try it 😉