will the different third module broke the dual channel?

[edurnezuri00]

Im thinking to update my ram, i want to make a dual channel witth 2 modules of the same model ddr3 at 1600, thats ok, My question is, i have 4 slot for ram modules, wahts happen if i put also another module of 4 gb at 1333(is which i have right now) i a third slot, will that broke the dual channel of the anothers two or will make the pc more slower??

 

[raveloda]

The motherboard will slow down the new 1600 modules to 1333. You may have to overclock the 3rd module, but then it won't be running as a dual channel. IMHO I would say if you don't need the extra 4GB, just use 2 1600 modules. It's less likely to have issues or force you to mess with overclocking or having to match timing and latency

 

[thx1138v2]

IF they work together, and that's a big if, they will all run at the slower speed. Whether some run in dual channel is going to be dependent on the processor and motherboard. Some Intel processors support what's called "Flex Mode" which will allow you to run modules of different specifications.

More info: Single, Dual, and Flex Mode RAM channels

 

[edurnezuri00]

i have a p7h55 asus motherboard, and i ordered a intel x3440 cpu,
I had a idea that maybe the 4 slots works on pairs(in the motherboard guide appear as a1,a2---b1,b2) and i will have a pair working at 1600 and anothe module woking alone at 1333. So it will slower the other two?
Maybe better shell the 1333 and buy 2 news that will work together at 1600, and if a need more buy another one at 1600 later.

 

[Karadjgne]

No. All ram works at the slowest speed. So currently you have a 1600 in A2, a 1600 in B2 and a 1333 in A1 or B1 will result is dual channel 1600 running at 1333 and a single channel 1333 at 1333. If you add a 1600, it run at 1600 single channel, and the dual channel will run 1600.

If it works.

The only way to 'break' the dual channel is by putting both sticks side-by-side in 1-2 or 3-4 instead of 1-3 or 2-4.