Question regarding Motherboard and Memory

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  • Konsider
    PCHF Member
    • Jan 2023
    • 3

    #1

    Question regarding Motherboard and Memory

    Hi everyone

    Regarding motherboard: ASUS TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI D4

    This motherboard has four memory slots. Does memory have to be installed in pairs, or is it possible to install 3 sticks e.g. 3x32gb. If so, is there any negative implications from installing 3, as opposed to 2 or 4?

    Thanks.
  • phillpower2
    PCHF Administrator
    • Sep 2016
    • 15209

    #2
    Hello Konsider,

    Dual channel performance requires two or four sticks of RAM, an odd number of sticks will mean that the RAM will work in single channel which will reduce performance by 50%.

    Most users can get away with 2 X 8GB even for high end games but if you are wanting to try and future proof you could go for 2 X 16GB sticks, anything more would be wasted as it would not be utilised.

    Something else you should be aware of, you should always choose RAM that is compatible with both the CPU and the MB.

    Comment

    • Konsider
      PCHF Member
      • Jan 2023
      • 3

      #3
      Originally posted by phillpower2
      Hello Konsider,

      Dual channel performance requires two or four sticks of RAM, an odd number of sticks will mean that the RAM will work in single channel which will reduce performance by 50%.

      Most users can get away with 2 X 8GB even for high end games but if you are wanting to try and future proof you could go for 2 X 16GB sticks, anything more would be wasted as it would not be utilised.

      Something else you should be aware of, you should always choose RAM that is compatible with both the CPU and the MB.
      Awesome advice there, thanks mate

      A couple of questions, if I may?

      What would happen if I installed 2x16gb and 2x32gb? Do the dual channels have to match in size?

      Also, you say that above 16gb wouldn’t be needed, but if I were using Digital Audio Workstation software, they surely benefit from as much RAM as possible?

      Thanks!

      Comment

      • phillpower2
        PCHF Administrator
        • Sep 2016
        • 15209

        #4
        As long as all the RAM was the exact same spec in every other way, speed, voltage and timings there would be no conflict.

        Any program will tell you what specs are required, see example here which says 4GB but recommends 8GB or more, 32GB would be a complete waste of both cash and resources.

        Comment

        • Konsider
          PCHF Member
          • Jan 2023
          • 3

          #5
          Originally posted by phillpower2
          As long as all the RAM was the exact same spec in every other way, speed, voltage and timings there would be no conflict.

          Any program will tell you what specs are required, see example here which says 4GB but recommends 8GB or more, 32GB would be a complete waste of both cash and resources.
          Great advice regarding the dual RAM, cheers!

          Regarding the DAW - the specs mentioned are just for the DAW itself. When you load in your VSTs, Kontakt libraries, etc they can use a vast amount of RAM, so in those cases, 32GB and above would certainly be useful

          Thanks again for your help - I appreciate it!

          Comment

          • jmarket
            PCHF Owner
            • Jan 2015
            • 7634

            #6
            Marked solved per OP

            Comment

            • phillpower2
              PCHF Administrator
              • Sep 2016
              • 15209

              #7
              Originally posted by Konsider
              When you load in your VSTs, Kontakt libraries, etc they can use a vast amount of RAM, so in those cases, 32GB and above would certainly be useful
              I will stick to dual channel then and leave the audio stuff to your good self then

              You are welcome btw (y)

              Comment

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