Advice on memory config

[darling1s]

I am looking at purchasing an Asus P7P55D Pro with either an i5-750 or i7-860. My orginal intention was to buy 6 GB of memory (same as current config) as I didn't want to spend the extra to go to 8 GB but wanted more than 4 GB.

My orginal plan was to buy 2x2GB and 2x1GB of G-Skill memory (still deciding speed vs. cost). Anyway, I noticed the motherboard also includes the 3x2GB G.Skill kits in its QVL. My last system was Core 2 so I am still trying to come up to speed on the new technology and would like some confirmation/guidance.

First, if I run 3 2GB sticks, my understanding is that two of them would run dual channel and the other would run single. Is this correct and how would that compare to running 2 2GB sticks and 2 1GB sticks? Or, should I just go with 4GB for now and wait to get another 4 GB later?

Any help would be appreciated.

[G.SKILL]

to darling1s:

first, are you sure you are going to install 64bit OS?
and if you would like to install 4 sticks,please notice that our warranty is for 2 dimms in dual channel
we're not sure if they could still run at our rated spec while mixing with different memory
normally, 4GB is enough for daily use
so, you could purchase 4GB kit first
if you feel 4GB is enough, you could add another 4GB
thanks


G.S

[darling1s]

Yes, I am already running Windows 7 64-bit (was running Vista 64-bit for the last year and a half).

Being able to use all four memory slots in an expensive mobo doesn't seem like an unrealistic expectation. Why won't G.Skill warranty it...I read a little bit aboiut limitations in the specs of the P55 chipset...does that have something to do with it?

You aren't saying four sticks won't work, right? Just that I may have to relax the timings or lower the speed below the stated specs? Even if I decide to go with 4 GB right now, I want to be able to go to 8GB at some point without alot of headaches.

[G.SKILL]

the loading of memory controller is much heavier while running 2 dimms in dual channel than it is running with 4 dimms
as we tested, not every 2 pairs of memory could run together with the same spec
that's why we only guarantee 2 dimms in dual channel
I'm not sure what you mean the limitation of P55 chipset, but normally 4 sticks of DDR3 1600 CL9 would not run at DDR3 1600 CL9



G.S

[GSKILL TECH]

Any of the RipJaws series we offer will be able to handle 8GB with that motherboard. The i7 860 processor would be recommended.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT