[Webb111]

hi i currently have 4 RAM slots, with 2 in use from 2 x 2gb sticks, but one of my slots cannot be used, due to my CPU cooler taking up the space, this is what it looks like

slot 1 ==== covered by CPU cooler ====
slot 2 ==== free =======
slot 3 ==== 1 x 2 gb =======
slot 4 ==== 1 x 2 gb =======

can i use a singular stick of 4gb or 8gb memory in the free spot? and it still work?

[ChileanLlama]

What's your motherboard and what type of RAM?

You can do what you're suggesting, but it may prevent your RAM running in dual channel mode, which will have a small hit on performance (which you probably won't even notice), but you also need to see if your motherboard can support the 8GB DIMMs as well.

The other option is to swap out the 2 GB DIMMs for larger ones.

[Webb111]

ASUS - Motherboards- ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO

heres my mo-bo, its says 16GB max, but unsure if thats any combo, its probably 4 x 4 come to think of it :/

what you think?

thanks for you help on this

[ChileanLlama]

Yep, 4x4GB is the maximum supported configuration. Also remember if you go over 4GB you need to be running a 64bit version of Windows to use it all.

[Webb111]

okay thank you very much!

Yeah, upgrading system atm, so need 64 bit, installing on a fresh M4 SSD, and upgrading RAM. thanks for your help

would 3 x 4gb work?

[Webb111]

Corsair CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 16GB 1600MHz CL9 DDR3 Vengeance Memory Four Module Kit: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

do you know if this RAM will work well?

[ChileanLlama]

Nice Yep that should work, but you won't be able to run it all (or any of it - not sure with AMD chipsets if it can mix n match single/dual channels at the same time) in dual channel mode.

TBH, I'm not sure what you're doing that needs the extra memory, but 8GB might be plenty anyway and you can still run dual channel that way.

But either way will work

Edit: Just seen your link, that should work, but it's 4 modules and you will only be able to use 3 with your cooler.

[Webb111]

thanks alot matey,

Im going to order the 4 piece as this is the max my mobo can handle.

might aswell get 4 now as may change CPU cooler in the future and doesnt cost the world.

I wont have to buy RAM again until i change mobo.

thanks again.

Im looking forward to seeing the difference an SSD will make.