Triple Channel showing as Single Channel

[semant1k]

Motherboard: FX6800-01e
http://www.cnet.com/products/gateway-fx6800-01e/specs/

RAM:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CP5Q7M?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

So I recently updated my computer (PSU, RAM, Graphics card) and I'm having two problems with my RAM:

1) The RAM only shows up as 4 GB in my task manager, although I can see all 12 in CPU-Z

2) CPU-Z indicates that my RAM is single channel.

I promise I googled around before I made this, so let me just address a few things off the bat:
- I made sure to install all 3 4GB sticks in alternating slots of the same color. I literally just replaced the 3 1GB sticks that were there.
- I checked to make sure my BIOS is up to date. It is, and I have even hotfixed it.

Help plz.

 

[Carobthomp]

What operating system are you using?

 

[semant1k]

What operating system are you using?

Windows 7 64 bit

 

[Tradesman1]

Think the mobo may well be lost - specs call for 12GB total on this rig, with six slots that's only 2GB per slot, might check with the manufacturer, but doubt they ever updated the BIOS to support 4GB sticks (they seldom put time into prebuilt BIOSs

 

[semant1k]

Think the mobo may well be lost - specs call for 12GB total on this rig, with six slots that's only 2GB per slot, might check with the manufacturer, but doubt they ever updated the BIOS to support 4GB sticks (they seldom put time into prebuilt BIOSs

How could I check the max RAM allowed? I recall reading based on other people's reccomendations on forums for the same motherboard that it was up to 8GB. Also, I don't think that is the case anyway since A) I can see 12 gb in CPU-Z and B) If the max was 2 gb per slot, then I would not see 4 GB in task manager since I am using 3x4GB sticks.

 

[Tradesman1]

Cpu-Z can see the installed DRAM, though that doesn't mean you can use it. If you look at the specs page you posted for the rig, it shows max mem as 12GB

http://www.cnet.com/products/gateway-fx6800-01e/specs/

 

[Carobthomp]

The maximum for Windows 7 64 bit (unless using a professional/enterprise/ultimate version) would be 8 GB. Based on that you could try fiddling with two sticks and see if you can get it to report correctly.

 

[Tradesman1]

What version of Win? Starter and Home Basic is 8GB, Home Premium is 16GB, Pro, Enterprise and Ultimate are 192GB

 

[semant1k]

The maximum for Windows Home Premium, which I have, is 16 GB so that should not be an issue. My motherboard supports 12 GB so that is not the problem either.

 

[Tradesman1]

Another possible is that the single sticks just don't all want to play nice, which is common, it's always best to buy all the DRAM in a single package, that way you get sticks that are tested to play nice. See my article, item 2, here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

 

[semant1k]

Another possible is that the single sticks just don't all want to play nice, which is common, it's always best to buy all the DRAM in a single package, that way you get sticks that are tested to play nice. See my article, item 2, here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

So are you saying that even though I have 3 identical sticks of RAM, because they were not sold as a single kit, they cannot be used together? This kind of complicates matters for me even if I return the RAM that I got because it means that I would have to find a 3x4GB kit that fits the exact specifications for my motherboard right?

 

[Tradesman1]

Not saying they can't, it depends on the individual sticks you have. You can pull sticks right off the assembly line and have them not play together, that's why manufacturers test sticks together in order to package them. I did an article awhile back and two manufacturers sent me a pair of identical sets of two sticks, and the sets wouldn't play without some adjustments to voltages. Sadly with most prebuilt PCs you don't have the option of adjusting voltages

 

[semant1k]

Not saying they can't, it depends on the individual sticks you have. You can pull sticks right off the assembly line and have them not play together, that's why manufacturers test sticks together in order to package them. I did an article awhile back and two manufacturers sent me a pair of identical sets of two sticks, and the sets wouldn't play without some adjustments to voltages. Sadly with most prebuilt PCs you don't have the option of adjusting voltages

Is there a way to check if my sticks will play? and if not, would you be so kind as to recommend a set? I would need 3x4GB. Thank you so much for your help and prompt responses so far by the way.

 

[Tradesman1]

On a prebuilt computer, they either work or they don't unless you have one that allows for voltage and or timing changes (few and far between on prebuilts )

I'd look at the Ripjaws:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231356

or Mushkin

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226096