All 3 modules will have the same MHz but how do distribute modules to best handle multi-channel RAM. When buying 8GB is easy as I can take 2 x 4GB.
What solution is best for 12GB:
- 3 x 4GB
- 8GB + 4 GB
- something else?
If not absolutely the best solution, I would not go with 3x4GB since in the future I will probably have to throw away one of these 4GB modules when upgrading to more RAM due to the lack of RAM slots. Things like this happened 10 times so far.
Best Answer
It depends on the memory controllers.
If you have one CPU and it:
If you have an option to fill all channels with either one set of DIMMs (e.g. triple channel and 3x4GiB) or with two sets of DIMMs (example. same triple channel setup with 6 DIMMs) then my own choice would be the lesser number of DIMMs. Both to keep expansion options open and because less ranks per channel allows higher bus speeds. (And thus allows you to use XMP).