Quad Channel, or Size?

[beagrie]

Hello,

I recently came into possession of a cheap LGA2011 mobo, so I thought I'd start putting together a new machine. Trouble is, I'm fairly out of touch, as the last machine I built was back when LGA755 was the hot new sauce, and I didn't do much tinkering then.

So, the mobo and CPU I will be using both support quad-channel memory, which, if I understand right (and please tell me if I'm not) means the memory bandwidth would theoretically be four times greater. I currently have two 4gb Corsair sticks (CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9) that came with the mobo, and I'm looking at getting a couple more.

What I'd like to know, is would it be worth my while to get two more of the same stick, for a total of 16gb, and potentially making use of the quad-channel memory, or should I go for size, maybe getting a pair of 8gb sticks, giving me a total of 20gb, but not getting the quad-channel memory. The computer is mostly used for gaming, audio editing, and a hobby level of 3D rendering.

The main thing I was concerned about from what I've read is that it seems like there's no guarantee that buying the same brand/model of memory will mean that dual/quad channel will work, and that the only way to be sure is to buy a pack (ie, a kit of four chips). Is this true, and, if so, is it the rule, or an occasional exception?

Thanks in advanced for any insight.

 

[satyamdubey]

To run quad channel you need a full ram kit. The rams have to be identical down to firmware and even lot number to function properly. Take a look at this corsair forum:
http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?t=69135
Either buy a full kit or settle for different rams but then do not expect them to run in quad channel.

understanding Quad and Dual channel: http://forum.corsair.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=110509

You wont see huge noticeable gains in running quad channel IMO and the cost might not really be worth it.

hope this helped a bit.

good luck
-Satyam

 

[XYMan]

To run quad channel you need a full ram kit. The rams have to be identical down to firmware and even lot number to function properly. Take a look at this corsair forum:
http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?t=69135
Either buy a full kit or settle for different rams but then do not expect them to run in quad channel.

understanding Quad and Dual channel: http://forum.corsair.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=110509

You wont see huge noticeable gains in running quad channel IMO and the cost might not really be worth it.

hope this helped a bit.

good luck
-Satyam

I second that too.

 

[beagrie]

Well, I might have gone for a 4 chip, 16gb set, and done away (eBay'd) the 8gb I currently have in order to get the quad channel, but if you guys say I won't notice much difference, I'll just get myself a 2 chip 16gb set instead.

Would this mean there'd be two sets of dual-channel memory running (assuming the two chips I currently have are a match)? And would that be a benefit over one dual-channel, or none?

Thanks for the information, I'll take a look at those links tonight.