Is it bizarre to have 3x4Gb memory instead of 4x4 ?

[shadowknife0]

My motherboard is kind of old (supports ddr3 memory), and I have 2x4gb HyperX fury and wanted to buy one more RAM (same type).

Is it okay if I have 3x4GB ram (12gb total), because I only heard of systems having 2-4-8-16-32 GB ram and not 12

Motherboard : Gigabyte G1.Sniper Z97

 

[DRagor]

It is not that unusual to have odd number of sticks. But know that even if you get a stick with exactly same stats, there is always a chance it will not work properly with your existing ones. Plus, running odd number of sticks means you lose Dual Channel.

 

[Rogue Leader]

You don't want to do that because there is a chance it won't work with the ram you have. On top of that it eliminates dual channel mode, meaning your system may actually run slower in some tasks.

If you want to add ram, your best choice is to buy another of the identical kit you have, that has the best chance of working properly.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

With motherboards that support dual memory architecture (as yours does), RAM should be installed in matched pairs.

Three modules will work, but the single module you add will only operate in single channel mode.

 

[geofelt]

To answer your question:
Not bizarre at all, assuming it works which is not 100% guaranteed.
Perhaps 85%
The matched ram will operate in dual channel mode and the odd 4gb will operate in single channel mode.
What is your plan "B" if the new ram is not properly compatible???


But... Ram is sold in kits for a reason.
A motherboard must manage all the ram using the same specs of voltage, cas and speed.
Ram from the same vendor and part number can be made up of differing manufacturing components over time.
Some motherboards can be very sensitive to this.
This is more difficult when more sticks are involved.
That is why ram vendors will NOT support ram that is not bought in one kit.

If you want more ram, I suggest you buy a 2 x 8gb kit of ram that closely matches your current specs.
You will get a guaranteed 16gb plus possibly 24gb if your current ram works with it.

If the old ram does not play nice, keep it as a spare or sell it.

 

[shadowknife0]

So even if it's the same model , speed , type it could go slow or not even work. Guess I will just save up a little bit and buy 2x8g.

Thanks for the help.