DDR3 triple channel ram question

[Chris]

I have these ram in my rig (see sig)
OCZ Gold 3x2 GB DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
They are running at triple channel, in slots 1-3 at 8,8,8,24 1T. I want to put a stick in the 4th slot. What do you recommend? Would a 4th ram stick interfere with the triple channel of the other 3 sticks?

[boggtrotter59]

You need to populate all three empty slots to retain triple channel functionality... I'm not exactly sure what your board will do if you only add only one stick... It will probably revert to single or double channel mode... I'd check your mobo manual if you have one.

[Chris]

Thanks. Never thought of reading my manual. So, it seems I cannot add more since I cannot find "memory of same capacity, brand, speed, and chips", without destroying the triple channel setup.

[boggtrotter59]

Ya... I checked the manual and you are fine if the memory is the same as your others... I thought your board had six slots

1. 3 Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one or two DDR3 memory modules are installed.
2. When enabling 3 Channel mode with three or four modules, it is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. When enabling 3 Channel mode with three memory modules, be sure to install them in the DDR3_1, DDR3_2 and DDR3_4 sockets.

[Chris]

Thanks.

There is a footnote which says "When memory modules of different capacity and chips are installed, a message which says memory is operating in Flex Memory Mode will appear during POST. Intel Flex Memory Technology offer greater flexibility to upgrade by allowing different memory sizes to be populated and remain in Dual/3 channel mode/performance"

I guess I am in luck.

[boggtrotter59]

I normally try to avoid mismatching modules if at all possible but when I do I set the memory timings manually in the bios to whatever the slower module is spec'ed at... Things seem to run smoother when you do this. Not familiar with "Flex Memory Mode" but I suspect there may be a performance hit with this enabled.

[Chris]

Yes, I think you are right. I'll look for a 2 GB stick with similar spec and try it. Thanks for your help.