Do I need to have 3 RAM DIMMs to use DDR3, or even be able to run a 3 channel CPU?

Do I need to have 3 RAM DIMMs to use DDR3, or even be able to run a 3 channel CPU? The Core i7 CPUs from Intel (Bloomfield in the Nehalem line) are an example of a CPU that handle 3 channels of memory input, and on an appropriate motherboard, ideally making use of 3 DIMMs the best option.
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 374

Total answers/comments: 3

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Guest [Entry]

No, 3 DIMMs are not required for the system to function (unless you've got some weird mobo that for some reason requires them). It's just preferred for performance reasons, so that the the system can run triple-channel mode.

Guest [Entry]

"Short answer, YES, you need 3 DDR3 'sticks' together.
However, you should check this Intel page describing Triple Channel mode.

If only two of the blue memory connectors are populated with matched DIMMs, dual channel memory is enabled.

Check if your board can handle that."

Guest [Entry]

"I received a Dell T5500 with three 2GB sticks in it, from Dell, but my company can only run Windows XP for now, as Windows 7 is not certified for our software.

The system, of course, just shows it has 3.37 GB of RAM, but it doesn't cause any issues."