Im building a computer for my nephew. I'm gonna be using win xp on it. Can i use this Ram

The board im gonna use supports dual channel. I know this is triple channel. But with win xp 32 bit it wont utilize 4 gigs. So i thought about 3 gigs but there all triple channel. Will i see a major loss of performance with triple channel in a dual channel board?

This message was edited by Smok3Dogg on Nov 16 2009.

Not sure about how much performance will be lost on the one stick but there is a set at the same speeds for cheaper from OCZ.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227370

Even better. 4 gigs, DDR3 1600 mhz, and same price as novas linked RAM after rebate. this is the best deal RAM youll ever find.

quote hiigaran

Even better. 4 gigs, DDR3 1600 mhz, and same price as novas linked RAM after rebate. this is the best deal RAM youll ever find.

But i'm gonna be installing win xp 32 bit so it wont utilize the 4 gigs.

What board will you be using for it? A board that supports dual channel and not tri-channel sounds more like a DDR or DDR2 board than a DDR3 board (unless its AMD).

You can also go with a 1gb and 2gb module as well.

To answer your main question though, you or the user will most likely not see any performance loss/gain over using dual channel/not dual channel. The only people who will notice a difference would hardcore gamers and hardcore overclockers.

quote The Slayer

What board will you be using for it? A board that supports dual channel and not tri-channel sounds more like a DDR or DDR2 board than a DDR3 board (unless its AMD).

You can also go with a 1gb and 2gb module as well.

To answer your main question though, you or the user will most likely not see any performance loss/gain over using dual channel/not dual channel. The only people who will notice a difference would hardcore gamers and hardcore overclockers.

It is a AMD. Motherboard Also goin with a 1gb stick and a 2 gb stick is more expensive than the triple channel kits.

quote hiigaran

Even better. 4 gigs, DDR3 1600 mhz, and same price as novas linked RAM after rebate. this is the best deal RAM youll ever find.

Wasnt sure if his mobo supported 1600 or not

well then he can overclock, or just have it for future proofing with a new mobo as ill explain below...

quote

But i'm gonna be installing win xp 32 bit so it wont utilize the 4 gigs.

doesnt matter. the fact that you have more RAM available, and that its 1600 mhz means that if you do an upgrade or get a new computer in the next few years, this RAM can be reused.

quote Smok3Dogg

But i'm gonna be installing win xp 32 bit so it wont utilize the 4 gigs.

Why? Is it because you already have a copy?

Otherwise upgrade all ready.

quote Player1

quote Smok3Dogg

But i'm gonna be installing win xp 32 bit so it wont utilize the 4 gigs.

Why? Is it because you already have a copy?

Otherwise upgrade all ready.

I already have a copy. lol.

i think he was referring to the 64 bit version of windows, saying that you should get that instead. if he wasnt saying that, then ill say it. get 64 bit.