z97-k memory slots

[sz0ty0l4]

Hello. I'm looking at the manual of my z97-k but it's not clearly stated which slot should i use to set up my dual channel 16gb ram.
On page 1-8 i found system memory, it says i have:
channel a: dimm_a1 and dimm_a2
channel b: dimm_b1 and dimm_b2

I understand i have to pair them like a1_b1 or a2_b2 right?
but it's not saying anything about which to install my memorys first.
any idea?

 

[Wayfur]

Are the memory slots on the physical board colored or marked in any way? Normally if you have 4 slots, they are alternated, for example. you have slots 1,2,3,4. you have 2 sticks of memory, to run them in dual channel you would install one stick in slot 1, the other in slot 3. skipping the second slot.

 

[sz0ty0l4]

Ohh and i've just found this document:
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1150/Z97-K/Q9017_Z97-K.pdf

which includes a picture about "step 3 " where the first memory is installed into a2.
When i bought my pc( i picked the parts and they built it up for me) i orderd only 1x 8gb stick and the retailer put it in a1.

So which is the right slot for the first memory module? a1 or a2?
I know i have to install them in the right color for active dual channel, what i don't is which is the prefered first slot for first memory module, a1 or a2 :/

 

[alexoiu]

Hi, Either A2, B2 or A1, B1. It doesn't matter. Usually A2, B2 if the CPU cooler gets over the first memory slot (A1).
For single RAM module, use A2.

 

[Wayfur]

Ohh and i've just found this document:
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1150/Z97-K/Q9017_Z97-K.pdf

which includes a picture about "step 3 " where the first memory is installed into a2.
When i bought my pc( i picked the parts and they built it up for me) i orderd only 1x 8gb stick and the retailer put it in a1.

So which is the right slot for the first memory module? a1 or a2?
I know i have to install them in the right color for active dual channel, what i don't is which is the prefered first slot for first memory module, a1 or a2 :/

A1,B1, or A2,B2 will not make any difference, neither is wrong. Like alexoiu said, you can move them farther over if you have clearance issues.

 

[sz0ty0l4]

Ok so i have it at the moment in slot a1 because retailer put it there. i'm getting the 2nd module on march 10th . should i change my single RAM stick from a1 to a2 till that and then just install second into b2? or i keep it in a1 and install into b1?

 

[faalin]

According to your manual a single stick should be placed in A2 which is the second slot moving away from the cpu socket. For 2 sticks running in dual channel mode you should place the sticks in A2 and B2 which is slot's 2 and 4. Slots 2 and 4 are gray on your motherboard.

 

[alexoiu]

It makes no difference. Leave it as it is. Actually, you can test the memory speed in both slots and see if any difference.
You can use http://www.passmark.com/products/pt_advmem.htm or similar.

 

[sz0ty0l4]

The single stick i have atm is very very close to the cpu cooler, i could say " on " it.
i've noticed it earlier, but didn't care because i was like " retailer knows what he's doing"
hopefully it's not damaged by being pushed by my cpu cooler for more than 1 month...
anyway i'll put it now to a2 and see if it's fine, thanks

 

[Wayfur]

The single stick i have atm is very very close to the cpu cooler, i could say " on " it.
i've noticed it earlier, but didn't care because i was like " retailer knows what he's doing"
hopefully it's not damaged by being pushed by my cpu cooler for more than 1 month...
anyway i'll put it now to a2 and see if it's fine, thanks

It really does not matter where you place a one stick of memory. But if it's touching the cpu cooler, yeah, go ahead and move it if you feel the need.

 

[sz0ty0l4]

Ok i've moved it to slot a2 and at least it's not touching the cpu cooler now. thanks for your answrs