Is physically rotating memory chips a good idea?

rzn6jw · 09 Dec 2013

I have a system that I built running Win 7 Pro 64-bit with an AMD Phenom II x6 1100T BE on a MSI NF980-G65 motherboard with 32G of matched DDR3 memory (4x8G). I have not physically touched this configuration (except for installing a second GTX660 SC for SLI) in two years. In this time, I have rarely used more than 12G of memory.

I was talking to someone at the local PC shop the other day and the topic of memory config came up. He mentioned that, since I had rarely used more than 12G of memory, it might be a good idea to swap chips from the 'unused' DIMM slots (3 & 4) to the used slots (1 & 2) to 'use' those 'fresh' chips.

Is it a good idea to swap memory chips (keeping the 'matched' chips together)?

ICIT2LOL · 09 Dec 2013

Unless there was a problem with a memtest RZN I cannot think of any reason and using 12GB at one time I think is one heck of a lot of memory in use. I think most get by on 8GB unless it is very heavy gaming I suppose.

You could try asking on a specialized forum like the G Skill one Tradesman might have an idea of what you want to know Welcome to the G.SKILL TECH FORUM

rzn6jw · 09 Dec 2013

Thanks for the reply. I'll try that site.

LMiller7 · 09 Dec 2013

I see no point in rotating memory chips. The downside being that you might damage something in the process. And even if you only use 12 GB memory at any time with the rest being free you can't assume it is always the same chips being used.

Fantail · 09 Dec 2013

I might say keeping sets together is good practice but rotating dimm's is unnecessary.

carwiz · 09 Dec 2013

I agree, it's unnecessary. Windows 7 randomizes memory any way as a deterrent for malware and will use all that's available. You can't "see" the memory being used but it is. Just because the most you've used is 12GB doesn't mean that the first 12GB was used. It could have been spread all over the modules.

rzn6jw · 09 Dec 2013

Thanks to all replies. They are very much appreciated.