Memory Channel[s]

[FattyPatty]

The motherboard Z68 says it supports Dual channel i don't really understand what channels are as far as i can tell its just how

many memory sticks are in a package but i wanna get a 4x4 set for my friend for his birthday but i don't know if his z68 will allow

that it says support to 32gb of memory but its back to that channel thing.

I did read the sticky but it didn't really help my understanding

 

[killersquirel11]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-channel_memory_architecture#Dual-channel_architecture

Assuming you get memory that is less than the mobo's max speed, it should work, as long as the mobo has 4 memory slots (i.e. if mobo supports DDR3 2100 then you can buy DDR3 1333, 1600, 1866, 2100; but if it only supports DDR3 1333, then a DDR3 1600 will still probably work, but only run at DDR3 1333, so you wasted money)

Dual-, triple-, and quad-channel should only affect performance.

 

[scout_03]

you have to buy memory marked that will work dual channel go to the mobo maker to get the supported list of memory

 

[jaquith]

Covering the couple unanswered questions, 'Stick' refers to the individual RAM. Next, 4x4GB DDR3-1600 CAS 9 is the Sandy Bridge (Z68 chipset) sweet-spot.

Here's a few choices -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006127%20600006073&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=147%7C20-233-143%5E20-233-143-TS%2C20-145-347%5E20-145-347-TS%2C20-231-429%5E20-231-429-TS%2C20-231-478%5E20-231-478-TS

They will all operate well, so IMO choose the set that is best color coordinated to your friend's MOBO. Typically ASUS are Blue or Black/Red, Gigabyte Blue or Black...

 

[FattyPatty]

Best answer selected by FattyPatty.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr.