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AR15.COM
12/26/2009 4:34:11 PM EDT
So I just got a bunch of computer parts for Christmas, and I think the guy who made the suggestions for what components to buy slipped up.

Intel DP55SB motherboard.....  on it has 4 slots, blue, white, blue white..which makes me think it runs RAM in pairs (ala DDR2'ish)

RAM included was Corsair XMS 3 , 6GB ( 3 x 2GB)


The RAM will work in the mobo or no?  Mobo seems to want to run stuff in pairs, but the RAM is 3 sets of memory chips.....wierd, and not normal from my understandings of computer stuff...


So now im sitting here with a table full of parts scratching my head... Please advise.

Gen Disc for quick replies....
12/26/2009 4:36:10 PM EDT
[#1]
Look up the specs on the motherboard, it'll tell you what it'll run.






Likely it will run one stick of RAM regardless.




ETA: Page 16

 
12/26/2009 4:36:44 PM EDT
[#2]
Generally, you don't have to run them in pairs, but some motherboards can use a dual channel setup with matched pairs.
12/26/2009 4:37:10 PM EDT
[#3]
It will run it fine but if that board supports dual channel RAM it won't run it in dual channel.



ETA: I'd just put in two sticks of the 2Gb for now, make sure they're in the proper slots to allow dual channel mode. Normally they're colored in this way, so just put them both in the blue slots.

12/26/2009 4:38:15 PM EDT
[#4]
if your concerned run one pair then order a 4th stick to match it up.
12/26/2009 4:38:53 PM EDT
[#5]
it runs DDR3
12/26/2009 4:45:08 PM EDT
[#6]
The board you got is a socket 1156 dual channel board.  Check the manual to see what slots you want to put the ram in.  The memory kit you got is for a socket 1356 board, which runs the ram in tri-channel mode.  You can use that kit, but only 2 sticks, not all 3.  (well you COULD put the 3rd stick in, but then your ram is only going to run in single channel mode, not a good idea).

12/26/2009 5:05:12 PM EDT
[#7]
From the product guide I found online for your board as far as what type of memory it supports it said this...

Main Memory • Four 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)
sockets arranged in two channels
• Support for DDR3 1600 MHz, DDR3 1333 MHz, and DDR3 1066 MHz
DIMMs
• Support for non-ECC memory
• Support for up to 16 GB of system memory


and you do need to use matched pairs of memory from what I can gather from the guide...

 Installing and Removing System Memory
Desktop board DP55SB has four 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets arranged as DIMM 0 and
DIMM 1 in both Channel A and Channel B.
NOTE
The Intel P55 Express Chipset requires memory to be installed in the Channel A,
DIMM 0 slot.
Guidelines for Dual Channel Memory Configuration
Before installing DIMMs, read and follow these guidelines for dual channel memory
configuration.
Two or Four DIMMs
Install a matched pair of DIMMs equal in speed and size (see Figure 18) in DIMM 0
(blue) of channels A and B.

Figure 18. Example Dual Channel Memory Configuration with Two DIMMs
If additional memory is to be used, install another matched pair of DIMMs in DIMM 1
(black) in channels A and B (see Figure 19).


But looking further (I am posting this on the fly) you will be allowed to use 3 dimms and subsequently 3 sticks of RAM.

 Three DIMMs
If you want to use three DIMMs in a dual-channel configuration, install a matched pair
of DIMMs equal in speed and size in DIMM 0 (blue) and DIMM 1 (black) of channel A.
Install a DIMM equal in speed and total size of the DIMMs installed in channel A in
either DIMM 0 or DIMM 1 of channel B (see Figure 20).
Figure  


I am assuming you have the manual but if not you can find it Here I think page 42 has he diagram of which Dimms to use to add 3 sticks.
12/27/2009 2:32:13 PM EDT
[#8]
welll im getting a few conflicting stories, so am i good to go running 3 sticks or not?

kinda need to know somethin solid.
12/27/2009 2:40:40 PM EDT
[#9]
Well, try 3. If it doesn't boot, remove one stick and try again.

Was it a package deal? Most of the Intel i-series DDR3 MBs operate triple channel. If you only have 4 it is only a dual channel board. The memory should still work with 3 of the slots filled but it will operate in single channel instead of dual channel. The dual channel board may have been included as a budget package.

According to the documentation, fill the blue slots first, and put the third in the bank 0 white slot.

Find another stick like the ones you already have to get it to operate dual channel.
12/27/2009 4:33:15 PM EDT
[#10]
I would go with using 2 sticks, leaving the third stick out.

Unless you are using a 64bit OS, it will not even address more then 4gb of ram anyway.
12/28/2009 9:19:18 AM EDT
[#11]
ok thanks guys, shipping the 3 pack back and getting 2 boxes of 2 sticks... total of 8GB RAM.
12/28/2009 5:04:50 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
ok thanks guys, shipping the 3 pack back and getting 2 boxes of 2 sticks... total of 8GB RAM.


Just get a 2x2 unless you do video encoding/decoding. Most programs are still 32bit anyway and work on a limit of 2GB. Running multiple instances of said program will use more ram of course...does this apply to you? If not, stick with 4GB total, you can always add more later.