Z97-G45 dual channel ram or more ram

[gryphon489]

my current build is a Z97-G45 with 8 gb of ram (2x4GB ram in dual channel configuration) and my CPU cooler blocks one ram slot

my regular usage gaming/ surfing etc has utilization of ~50 -100 %

i was thinking of adding one more 8 gb stick
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231567

1) how important is dual channel vs. amount of ram ?

2) am i correct in my understanding that flex mode allows 2 ram sticks to run in dual channel and a third to run in single channel ?

3) does my motherboard support flex mode (not listed in specifications)?

4) would adding another single ram stick or replacing both be better performance wise ?

5) how much of a performance hit would i see if i added the third stick ?

thanks for the help

 

[logainofhades]

Third stick would put you into single channel. What cooler do you have?

 

[gryphon489]

Third stick would put you into single channel. What cooler do you have?

i have a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120 mm PWM Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

 

[logainofhades]

You can raise the fan a little to clear ripjaws, if that is what you are already using. I have done so myself.

 

[gryphon489]

You can raise the fan a little to clear ripjaws, if that is what you are already using. I have done so myself.

yeah i am currently using ripjaws, so you would bypass the whole issue by moving the fan and buying another matched pair ?

also based on my "high" utilization would you recommend that i go for another 8 gb or do you think i should be looking at more like 16 gb ?

 

[logainofhades]

Another 8gb kit should work. You just need to slide the fan up a little, to clear the memory. Even my snipers, I had to leave the fan raised a little.