What RAM configuration should I get?

[gwalec]

I bought my rig in 2011. I have a Gigabyte X58A-UD3R motherboard that has 6 memory slots for a total of 24gb. Is it better to go with 3 x 8Gb sticks of DDR3 RAM or 6 x 4GB sticks? It is $60 more expensive to buy the six memory modules over the 3 x 8GB memory modules.

I should mention that i currently run 3 x 2GB OCZ Platinum memory modules.
I am thinking of buying the:
Kingston Technology HyperX FURY 8GB Kit (2 x 4GB) 1600MHz DDR3L Desktop Memory HX316LC10FBK2/8.



CPU:INTEL Core i7 930 Bloomfield Socket 1366 LGA
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 5900 Series

 

[Barty1884]

X58 supports triple channel memory, so 3x modules would be preferred over 6x to reach the same total.

FWIW, matching modules (same brand, speed, timings, CL etc) would be ideal. Triple channel 'kits' don't really exist like they used to.

 

[Friesiansam]

For best performance you should use 3 or 6 modules to benefit from the motherboard's triple channel capability. On the other hand, you probably won't notice the difference using only two modules will make, unless you are in the habit of running benchmarks. As for whether you use 6 x 4GB or 3 x 8GB, just go with whichever is cheaper.