Win7 DDR3 Tripple Channel & Dual Channel Question

crazyboi12

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Jan 18, 2010
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Hi. Updating my system, and have some question about ram for it. Upgraded to an i7-920 on MSI x58 Pro-e motherboard and running Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit (received it for free otherwise would've gone x64.) I haven't bought my new ram for the system yet and I'm having a tough time deciding. I know the processor and board are designed for the triple channel DDR3, but I'm wondering if it would be better to just go with dual channel because of the limitations with 32bit windows.

So my question is, should I opt for 4gb (2x2gb) DDR3 or go with 3gb (3x1gb) DDR3? Would there be a significant advantage of one over the other? Opinions and advice are greatly appreciated.
 

Mitche01

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Hi Crazyboi12,

32Bit software can only write to a maximum of 3Gb (inthe case of win XP SP3 it had 36bit extension so it could write to 3.25Gb) if you want to utilise 4Gb of RAM you will need to get the 64Bit version.

Cheers,

Mitche01
 

schwizer

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I believe with 3 sticks he would be running in tripple channel mode not single channel mode as long as the motherboard supports it. Not sure what the exact performance difference is but i believe for the average user its not a significant difference. But if you're running i7 on a X58, you might have something special in mind. I think it does make a difference in very memory intensive applications, but if you're running those, it may be worth the upgrade to 64 bit and go for 4GB or 6GB of memory.

Link comparing tri channel i7's and some dual channel AMD systems. (4GB and 6GB)

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/10/29/asus_crosshair_iii_formula_motherboard_review/3
 

crazyboi12

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You wouldn't happen to know what the model number was? Called up to my local Fry's and they couldn't find them on sale. If I could get it for that price I would just go with the two sticks. I would love to have 6gb of ram, but since I got my version of Windows for free I'm not really wanting to buy another just to get x64.
 
My bad. Your x58 should have 3 or 6 slots. Frys.com has some patriot signature series pc3-8500 3x2gb ddr3 for $89.99 if your frys store has any left in stock. You can enter your zipcode at frys.com and check if it's available for in store pickup. Mine was out of stock.
 

roonj

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Seems like you can still run triple chanel with 4 modules, populating slots 2,4,6 for the triple and then add the 4th module in slot 1-- 1,2,4,6? any differing opinions?
 

crazyboi12

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So an x58 board can't run dual channel? I would love to get 3x2gb ram, but my windows is only 32 bit so wouldn't that be a waste?
 
first avoid MSI there garbage

second you can use a 32-bit licence key with a 64-bit CD to get 64-bit and it will activate the same aok 100%

third - you got an i7 1366 rig, USE THE TRIPPLE CHANNEL OR GET A 1156 RIG INSTEAD AND DONT BOTHER WITH 1366
 

crazyboi12

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This is probably a very stupid question, but if I've already activated the license key on 32 bit win 7 ult. could I still do a clean install over it with a 64 bit cd? I had already received windows and installed it before I bought my new cpu.
 

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