2 sticks from a Triple-Channel Kit in a Dual-Channel 1156 motherboard?

[aamsel]

I called Corsair tech support and said that I had a Triple-Channel 6GB XMS3 kit, and asked if I could use 2 of those sticks for a 4GB Dual-Channel setup in an 1156 motherboard.

I was told that yes, I could, but that no I shouldn't, and that there were "differences".

Can anyone tell me what these "differences" are, and why I should not use 2 of these sticks in an 1156 board?

I have also read articles such as the one linked below, which say that a Triple-Channel kit works fine in a P55-based motherboard:
http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Feature...ory-kits-vs-dual-channel-on-p55-platform.aspx

True or false?

Thanks!

 

[Yellowbeard]

What specific memory kit do you have? Memory suitable for ANY Intel Core i* system will work with 1366 and 1156 boards. The only difference is the ideal number of modules you use. In your case, 2 out 3 modules should work just fine although the XMP profile may in fact be different. You may need to set the timings and voltages manually.

 

[aamsel]

CMX6GX3M3C1600C7
Also, will 3 these modules work ok in an 1156 board as per the article above?

 

[aamsel]

CMX6GX3M3C1600C7
Would I need to set the timings and voltages manually if I use 2 of these in an 1156, and also will 3 these modules work ok in an 1156 board as per the article above?

 

[EarthwormJim]

All three will work, but not in full dual channel mode. It'll be in mixed channel mode, which can hurt overclocking and of course memory performance.


Two sticks will work just fine, identical to a "dual-channel kit." DDR/DDR2/DDR3 is DDR/DDR2/DDR3 memory. All these kits do is guarantee that the three sticks will work fine at their advertised settings together, and potentially save a bit of money compared to buying three separate sticks.

Hell if you wanted to, you could put 1 stick into one P55 system, the second into another p55 system, and the third into another P55 system. They'd all work fine, albeit in single channel mode.

You should not have to set the timings manually. Timings are specified by the individual memory sticks. Your motherboard might not default to the 1.65v listed for the RAM though, so that setting you might have to manually do to ensure full stability. 1.65v is kinda high for lynnfield, so that's why most motherboards don't default to it.

 

[aamsel]

Thanks.
I had forgotten about the 1.65v.