Can I use a Dual channel DDR3 kit for Core i7?

[Sureshot324]

I have read that some high end DDR3 memory can damage an i7 because they require a lot of voltage which can fry the memory controller. But what about a mainstream dual channel kit? From what I've read in reviews, there's very little preformance benefit to going triple channel. DDR3 is very expensive and I'd rather buy as little as possible right now until prices drop.

 

[Toadster]

3GB for $96,that's not very expensive!

 

[Sureshot324]

Originally posted by: Toadster
3GB for $96,that's not very expensive!

No but I don't want 1gb sticks. Plus I live in Canada and haven't found a deal that good here.

 

[myocardia]

Yes, you can use two sticks of RAM with an i7, and no, using a dual channel kit has nothing to do with voltage, only a slight performance loss. However, make sure that the RAM you buy is low voltage DDR3. 1.5-1.6v is preferable. You can't use the "old" 1.8 or 1.9v DDR3 with the i7's, unless you don't mind buying a new processor every few weeks/months, when you fry your processor's on-die memory controller, from excessive vDimm.

None of that has anything at all to do with dual channel/triple channel, though. As usual, the people working in the computer store you mention don't have the slightest idea what they're talking about.