What is tri-channel memory?

[Thrax]

What is tri-channel memory? (http://icrontic.com/articles/what-is-tri-channel-memory)

[Marco Saillant]

I need to know if it is the same to use ddr3 dual or ddr3 tri in memory slots.

[Thrax]

To use dual channel you need to install 2 sticks of memory. The two sticks must be installed in DIMM#2 of channels A and B.

[RWB]

Thanks Thrax, i had seen kits at newegg recently but becuase I dont have a computer anymore or internet at home or work(i have to use my phone like now) I figured it was a gimmick and didn't look into it. This is definitly a nice new toy to play with whenever i can get back on my feet ;)

[Thrax]

I have updated this guide to be more specific regarding possible tri channel configurations, and I have also added information regarding dual channel.

[Barsju]

Thanx for a very nice and to the point guide! Just one question though. Does "All modules should be of the same capacity" mean that it is not possible to run a 3x2GB + 3x1GB = 9GB configuration? Or does it simply mean that you must have the same capacity within each of the 2 DIMM channels?

[tomas]

I also very confused on this. On your table, 4 dimms will work in tri-channels. How about 5 dimms? If I use 3*2GB+2*1GB, will it work on tri-channels?

Also, how to see if the memory working in tri-channels? Can CPUZ->SPD judge this?

[Thrax]

Five sticks is an unsupported memory configuration for the X58 chipset and may yield unpredictable results. You will certainly not get tri-channel. You might get dual channel with that configuration.

CPU-Z > memory tab will reveal the current, running configuration.

[alex]

hi i would like to ask can i upgrade my 4gb (2x2gb) dual channel ddr3 ram to tri-channel by buying and adding one more stick of 2gb ddr3 to the current 4gb set? and must the speed and latency of the 3 rams to be same to work?

[Thrax]

Yes, if you follow the three DIMM installation procedure listed in the article, you can get tri-channel working on your system. It is IDEAL that all the memory be the same speed, but it's not <i>required</i>.

[alex]

so after i installed another stick to my 2x2 4gb ddr3 it will detect the tri-channel itself or do i need to change anythings in the bios?

thanks ^^

[Thrax]

It will do it automatically. :)

[Jack Gilvey]

Great stuff!

How is that 4th DIMM used in tri-channel?

I've order a refurb Dell Studio XPS (Core i7 920) that comes with 4 1GB DIMMs. If the BIOS doesn't recognize 4 as tri-channel (it's listed as dual in the specs), am I better off re-purposing just 3GB in tri-channel?

[navid]

I am planning to buy an Intel DX48BT2 motherboard. What if I wanted to use up to 8GB of RAM, what would be the best to do to take advantage of the dual or the tri channels feature? Is it possible to combine 4x 2GB dual channels and be able to actually use this feature? Based on your article, I guess buying 4x 2GB tri channel would not make sense, right?

[Buddy J]

X48 only does dual channel.

[tufftaeh]

I have 8GB RAM (2x2GB + 4x1GB) in my Dell Studio XPS 435. Can this really run in tri-channel (as CPU-Z states)?