Mixing DDR3 DIMMS - MIR related

[Simsy]

Hi

I have a PC machine that I use for MIR - i7 975 3.33 Ghz, 12 GB RAM (6x2GB). I need more memory, the CPU level is always pretty low but I have used all 12 GB RAM. 

I found this http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/partspecs.aspx?IMODULE=CT51264BA1339&click=true but I cannot afford to purchase 6 of them. Can I purchase say 2 of them now and then another 2 and finally 2 more to take me up to 24 GB? Can you mix and match different sized DIMMs?

[cm]

basically you can, but you need always to have triples of the same size - and both triples should have the same latency values to avoid idle cycles on the memory bus.

christian

[Simsy]

OK,

So I would need to purchase 3 of them?

[Simsy]

Hi Christian,

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but I am finally getting round to ordering the memory. But I know very little about this kind of thing so just want to make sure that I am ordering the correct thing.

First, here is exactly my MIR machine

Intel Core i7 975 3.33Ghz Extreme Edition

Asus Rampage II Extreme Intel X58 (Socket 1366) DDR3 Motherboard

G. Skill Perfect Storm "Low Latency" 12GB (6x2GB) DDR3 PC3-16000C8 2000Mhz Triple Channel Kit

Ok, so I need more RAM, 12GB is just not enough. So what I want to know is

1) Is this the correct RAM to order : http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/partspecs.aspx?IMODULE=CT51264BA1339&click=true

2) How many DIMMS do I need to change, is it 2, then I can another 2 and finally another 2 OR do you have to change 3 at a time?

I would really appreciate you help on this!! Sorry to be bothering you.

Thanks!

[cm]

with triple channel memory controllers you always need to have 3 modules of the same size (and of course have them sitting in the corresponding slots).

the memory type you have linked is basically fine for i7 motherboards, a few things to look at:

- make sure your old and new memory is using the same voltage

- make sure old and new has the same CAS latency (eg. starting with CL9)

- for best performance and stability all latency values should be the same (eg. 9-9-9-24)

 

in an ideal world you have 6 modules from the same production series and they are explicitely mentioned in the memory compatibility list for your motherboard.

christian

[Luigiiii]

hi christian, i am plannung to build new pc for mir which one is better: 9-9-9-x or 10-10-10-x? higher numbres are good or worse? :) thx kambiz

[cm]

lower is better - as always with latency ;-)

[Luigiiii]

sounds obvious :) i didn't know these numbres were about latency