Will using 3 256 ddr sticks comprimise Dual-Channel DDR?

[Kelvrick]

I'm getting an Epox 8RDA+ and I've been wondering between getting another 512 stick or selling my 512 stick and getting 2 256 sticks of ddr ram. I've decided to comprimise and get 3 256 sticks of ddr ram. My question is that will that negate the effects of the dual-channel technology? Will it just read the sticks as 3 256 sticks, or will it run 2 sticks on the dual channel and another stick on a seperate controller, or will it run 1 stick on one side of the dual, and 2 sticks on the other side of the dual?

Thanks!

<== monkey dance

 

[SpideyCU]

If you run two sticks in the proper channels, the memory bus will operate in 128-bit mode rather than 64-bit. Having 3 sticks won't change that - with all 3 DIMM slot populated, it'll still run the memory at 128-bit mode.

 

[MithShrike]

Aye, no effect the duality of the channles... and good luck with the computering!

 

[chizow]

Yah manual says all 3 still run in dual-channel, but I'm thinking it might be a better idea to go with a 512MB and 2 x 256 MB sticks? May be way off here, but that way you would essentially be running 2 banks of 512MB memory (512MB in bank 1, 256MB in banks 2 and 3).

Chiz