Perhaps you already know about this but I'm sure it will benefit some readers. With the advent of the i7 cpus, integrated memory controllers are now part of the cpu. And so memory problems are less immediately identifiable with defective memory than with a lemon integrated memory controller. Very slightly bent cpu pins can manifest memory problems, and one needs a magnifying glass to see them and a needle to straighten.
http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/cpu/intel ... em-p1.html
"LGA1156 and LGA1366: differences in memory subsystems
If you take a closer look at motherboards for both platforms, you will see practically no noticeable differences: both camps are equipped with four or six DDR3 memory slots. In fact, they can use them differently. What concerns LGA1366 systems, all six slots can be populated with any modules (up to 4GB ones) with the total size of up to 24GB. But don't expect such miracles from the lower platform, even if you have a motherboard with six slots (like our
Gigabyte P55-UD6). LGA1156 supports three memory modules per channel, but under a very strict condition: the total number of supported banks cannot exceed eight. That is if you install two-bank modules, you can fill only four slots out of six. You can use all slots only with single-bank modules. As for us, all memory modules in our lab (even 1GB modules) used two banks. So what's the conclusion? For one, don't chase after six memory slots. You will most likely use no more than four anyway. Besides, maximum memory capacity is not affected by how many slots are installed. Single-bank modules have lower capacity than two-bank modules (twice as low actually). So the maximum capacity for this platform is 16GB so far. And if you use inexpensive 2GB modules, the maximum capacity will be only 8GB.
That's the 1.5 difference from 12GB or 24GB on the LGA1366 platform, which is dictated by the difference between triple- and dual-channel controllers. But don't jump at conclusions. In fact, the integrated controller in processors for LGA1366 supports 18 memory banks, not 12. But there is one restriction: only DDR3 800 memory is supported in this case. If only two modules per channel are installed (that's exactly what owners of X58-based motherboards have to do, as manufacturers are in no hurry to install nine slots there), we get DDR3 1066 or even 1333. DDR3-1333 and probably even faster modules (1600 or higher) will work only when a single module is installed per channel.
So we can draw a conclusion that the memory controller in LGA1366 processors is very complex: it supports twice as much memory as its new desktop competitor. What concerns LGA1156, it has fewer channels and simpler structure. And by the way, it may even work faster. This happens quite often. E.g., engines of heavy-duty dump trucks often have the same horsepower as sport car engines. But the former convert all the power to high carrying capacity, so they cannot compete even with a budget compact in terms speed. The same concerns processors for different platforms. So let's run our tests to see what's going on exactly.
SH: I did quite a bit of research for my mainboard (6 ram slots) before ordering DDR3, tri-channel.
TR3X6G1600C9 XMS3 $90 for 3-pack of 2GB ram
Review:"I bought 12 GB (2 sets) of this memory for use in my self-built Intel i7 computer.
It works, all 12 GB shows up, and it runs at the stock speed of 1067 MHZ. If I install 6 GB it will run at the rated speed of 1600 MHZ, but 12 GB is just too much for my computer to handle at that speed with this memory, and I can't push it past 1067. In other words, this is great memory if you are planning on going with 6 GB in your system. Anymore than that and you won't be able to push it up to its rated speed."
Was this Computer Memory review on the Corsair Memory, Inc. XMS3 Tri Channel 6GB PC12800 DDR3 Memory (Model #TR3X6G
1600C9) helpful to you?
Review 2: I wish I'd researched a little more since 12 gigs of this won't run at 1600 mhz
on my motherboard, but 8 gigs will! No issues, but I don't OC either."
CMX6GX3M3A
1600C9 $101 for 3-pack of 2GB ram
Both of these 3-pack 2GB modules were supposed to support 1600. So I bought the $12 cheaper one and discovered the reviews later. Who knew the difference between two-bank and one-bank modules which are enclosed in a heat dissipative structure. So the moral of the story is to buy 3 4GB modules even if they cost more, than 6 2GB sticks.
They have hardware compatibility lists for most major memory vendors.
http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/cpu/intel ... 00-p1.html
LGA1156 Platform and DDR3-1600 Memory
We got the best of 8 GB memory kits from Corsair, namely CMD8GX3M4A1600C8, which can work at 1600 MHz with 8-8-8-24 timings (at the normal voltage level of 1.65 V), equipped with additional fans for better cooling.
If it had been smaller, 4GB would have been fine. If bigger, even 6GB would have been insufficient. ....
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