i7 kit + AM3 Adventure

[Afrodisiac]

I have these sticks:
Newegg.ca - G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ - Desktop Memory

I bought the parts for my rig around July, before the DDR3 market went haywire and the prices rose to what they are today. Snagged all 6GB for $92 CAD off NCIX. I knew I should have got a dual channel kit, but at the price it was hard to resist 6GB.

Initially:
I had 3 sticks in the first 3 DIMMs. I ran them at 1.6V, DDR3-1600 (x8 multi, 200FSB) and 9-9-9-24 timings, unganged and in single channel (didn't really have a choice there). I never bothered to try for more. As time went on with my rig I realised three things:
1) There is no way I will ever need all 6GB
2) Dual channel has got to be better than single channel
3) Leaving my hardware on auto and not optimizing them was not a great idea

I was planning on getting rid of my i7 kit and getting a dual channel kit instead but I decided to play with them tonight.

Results:
I first took out one of the sticks. Both sticks (2x2GB) are now in the DIMMs closest to the CPU. I managed to hit 1333MHz (x6.66) at 7-8-7-20 timings, 2T, with 1.4V NB and 1.45V CPU NB VID. Dual channel + unganged. Memtest86 passed a few minutes ago so I'm good to go with these speeds/timings.

Who woulda thunk it? My "weak" i7 triple channel kit ended up clocking really well in dual channel with my Phenom II X3 720.

CPU-Z validation:
CPU-Z Validator 3.1

Pics of setup:




Yes, I know the stock cooler is hideous. Mugen 2 will be ordered in a few days.

[Afrodisiac]

Update. Got to 7-7-7-19. System won't POST with anything lower. I also ordered a Mugen 2 with two Zalman ZM-F3 fans and some OCZ Freeze from DirectCanada.

[Chris]

I read in earlier posts these ddr3 triple channels can work as dual channels. The op bought 3 sticks and just put away one stick like you do, and because it was cheaper than 2 channel stuff.

[Afrodisiac]

Yeah, RAM is RAM, so 2 sticks from a triple channel kit will work as a dual channel kit. However, I was more surprised at how well these sticks that were designed for the i7 platform did in my rig. I have a C2 X3 720, and C2 Phenoms are notoriously picky with RAM.

[johnnyblazzwa]

so is it automatic, 2 stick of tripple channel will always work for am3? or is it only certain brands you can get away with?

[CMetaphor]

Originally Posted by johnnyblazzwa

so is it automatic, 2 stick of tripple channel will always work for am3? or is it only certain brands you can get away with?

A "triple channel kit" is three identical sticks that have been tested working together, there's no reason two out of the three wouldn't work together.