Memory Config Question

[grinnz]

DDR3 / 4 slots / 2 populated, 2 empty

Must I add additional memory in pairs or can I populate one of two empty slots?

 

[bob hays]

you can add just one of the empty ram slots but most motherboards are configured in dual channel. Its kind of like RAID 0 where if you put in 2 then the RAM has double the frequency. The problem is it only works in pairs of 2 so if you add a 3rd one you will get the extra RAM space, but they will run in single channel.

In simpler term, you will have more RAM, but it will be slower.

If you really feel like you need more RAM capacity, go for it because it won't feel that much slower, but if you just have extra and want to use it, I'd recommend waiting until you get another stick in a matching capacity.

 

[Tradesman1]

First mixing DRAM in itself, can be and often is problematic, but, if they will all play together how it runs will depend on your mobo/CPU combo and the Dram you have and get - i.e. if on Intel and have 2x2GB and add a 4GB if put in correctly you can set it to 4GB in both channel A and 4 in Channel B so via flex mode would have 8 GB in dual channel. If 3 4GB sticks and they will play then you would have in effect all running at the same freq with 8GB in dual channel and the odd 4GB running in flex as single channel - so --- really need a little more info as far as what mobo/CPU and what model's of DRAM you are using and looking at getting