12GB RAM - Sandy Bridge

P

PC Fanatic

Silver Level Poster
I have the chance to get a brand new 12GB 1333Mhz RAM kit from an acquaintance at a low price (he works in the computer field) but I'm sure I read that Sandy Bridge might not be compatible with multiples of RAM outside of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and so on.

I was wondering, if I installed the RAM, would it cause problems with the system, and would I see benefit over the 8GB I currently have installed (I do amateur video and photo editing, as well as gaming)?

Thanks.
 
ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
Yamikotai said:
It'll work fine.
Click to expand...

+1

The issue of installing RAM cards in multiples of two is to take advantage of what's called "dual channel mode" in the CPU. In this mode the bandwidth of the bus used for reading and writing to RAM is 128-bits wide, but to make use of this performance feature you must install RAM cards in matched pairs. If you install 12GB or RAM (as I have) then you'll get the dual channel performance boost only on 8GB of your 12GB, the remaining 4GB will use the standard 64-bit wide bus.

Now, does dual channel mode make a difference? I don't have any definitive answers for you but from doing a fair bit of research on this it seems that in normal day-to-day use the difference is not noticeable. I would guess that when you have a large database (or graphics image?) in RAM then dual-channel mode probably will make a difference, but my research again suggests that it's not typically large.

So to answer your questions, yes 12GB will work (it does on my Optimus IV) and it will cause no system problems. More RAM is generally better, especially if you're in to photo editing, and you most certainly will be able to use the extra 4GB. So if you're getting the 12GB at a good price then go for it!

I hope that helps? :)
 
P

PC Fanatic

Silver Level Poster
ubuysa said:
+1

The issue of installing RAM cards in multiples of two is to take advantage of what's called "dual channel mode" in the CPU. In this mode the bandwidth of the bus used for reading and writing to RAM is 128-bits wide, but to make use of this performance feature you must install RAM cards in matched pairs. If you install 12GB or RAM (as I have) then you'll get the dual channel performance boost only on 8GB of your 12GB, the remaining 4GB will use the standard 64-bit wide bus.

Now, does dual channel mode make a difference? I don't have any definitive answers for you but from doing a fair bit of research on this it seems that in normal day-to-day use the difference is not noticeable. I would guess that when you have a large database (or graphics image?) in RAM then dual-channel mode probably will make a difference, but my research again suggests that it's not typically large.

So to answer your questions, yes 12GB will work (it does on my Optimus IV) and it will cause no system problems. More RAM is generally better, especially if you're in to photo editing, and you most certainly will be able to use the extra 4GB. So if you're getting the 12GB at a good price then go for it!

I hope that helps? :)
Click to expand...

That's terrific, thanks.
 
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