Memory population rules

[vesa01]

I have this msi (970A-G43) motherboard with 4 ddr3 memory slots. Currently they are occupied by two 2 gb memory chips. They are using dual channel as they are identical and installed that way.

I want to add more memory up to 8 gb. I was wondering If I could simply buy one 4 gb memory and plug that into that third memory slot and leave that one slot empty. Is that against that memory population rules? Or do I have to buy two more 2 gb chips of identical type as those that I have now. Then all slot would be in use and all would be operating dual channel.

Really wouldn't like buy any more 2 gb chips, I would rather go to 4gb as in future those are probably needed more.

 

[Tradesman1]

Best bet would be to buy a 2x4GB set and either sell off the old or see if they might play together with the new sticks - it's never a good idea to plan on adding additional DRAM - even of the same model, as it can be problematic. DRAM is sold in packaged sets that have been tested to work together

 

[vesa01]

I have this offer where one 8 gb chip is in offer at a reasonable price. Could I use this one chip in my computer or does it have to be 2x4 kit.

 

[Tradesman1]

Single stick will run in single channel, dual channel can provide up to 10-15% performance gain