win7 64bit only recognizing 6gig of my 8gig of ram

sygnus21 · Sep 30, 2010

HeroGhost said:
Where did you see about the chipsets? I don't see anywhere that specifies the P55 i7800 vs the other in the ram details.

That's because you don't have a P55 chipset. You have an X58 chipset, the X58 number in your MB model

As for the memory you currently have - you can use it, but it's paired for a dual channel system, the the 4 module kit (4x2)

If you got/get a triple channel kit, it would be packaged in either a 3 or 6 module kit, either 3x2 or 6x2.

So.... if you want, you could just remove one of the modules and just run 6gig. Since the kit is matched anyway it shouldn't be a compatibility problem.

The issue is running an odd (odd as in RAM size) configuration - 8gig as opposed to either 6 or 12gig.

That "may" be what causing the odd issues, the way you have to configure (install) the RAM.

My two cents.

HeroGhost said:
DocBrown said:

Do you have Maximum Memory set to zero (0) ? Like in my snip ?

Click to expand...

it looks like your screenshot

And it should. Don't do anything to it.

HeroGhost · Sep 30, 2010

so there is no actual physical difference between the sticks right? It's just the "package" that's different? I'd rather not have to return and pay a restocking fee if these should be working without problems and it's just the configuration of the number of sticks that makes it dual or triple.

sygnus21 · Sep 30, 2010

As far as compatibility no.

However, for the same price you get a better quality RAM - look at the links I provide.

If you were to return them, just get what I linked to, same price. Explain that you wanted to triple channel kit and instead got the dual channel kit. Tell them you have a 1366 socket (i7-900 Processor), not an 1156 socket (i7-800 processor).

This basically tells them you want the triple channel kits

Since you're doing a swap, they shouldn't charge a restock fee, especially if you convince them that it was their fault. Thus my statement about the sockets

If you can't or don't want to do that, just go with 6gig, you're not going to see/feel the difference between 6 & 8gig, however you "could" see performance issues an 8gig configuration poses. My opinion, I have no proof, but... why were you here

My two cents.

BTW - Welcome to Corsair :: XMS3 Product Information - same RAM, different package configurations.

Also - Welcome to Corsair :: Corsair FAQ - Memory related FAQ

Q » Which memory should I use with my Intel Core i7 CPU?

A » The Intel Core i7 CPU has two different versions. The is the i7-800 series and the i7-900 series. The i7-800 series is designed for Intel Socket 1156 and supports dual channel memory configurations. The i7-900 series is designed for Intel Socket LGA1366 and supports dual and triple channel DDR3 memory configurations. You can find memory designed and tested to run with the Core i7 here, or you can look up your motherboard on our Memory Configurator to get specific memory recommendations for your motherboard.

HammerHead · Sep 30, 2010

Difference

HeroGhost said:
so there is no actual physical difference between the sticks right? It's just the "package" that's different? I'd rather not have to return and pay a restocking fee if these should be working without problems and it's just the configuration of the number of sticks that makes it dual or triple.

If I understand what you are saying. ................. There is a difference in DDR3 Triple Channel and DDR3 Dual Channel. It is in the XMP specs (probably embeded in the sticks). Those specs are read at boot and the bios configures your mem thusly. I have some corsair DDR3 that is dual channel and if I set my bios to XMP with it in the machine It shows one setting as disabled. When I put triple channel in it sets the parameters as it should. (not a very clear statement)

Hopalong X · Sep 30, 2010

Hero Ghost

There is a difference.

Four matched sticks from the factory give you two sets of dual channel compatibility.
As you have it set up it works or is supposed to.

Three matched sticks from the factory are triple channel specific compatibility.
So the way you have it you are losing a channel of bandwidth.

You are losing 33% of your memory transfer rate.

The difference is in the basic RAM bios-not the PC bios- or could be hardware specific or both.
It is factory set either way. You only get a few options of XMP mode, voltage etc. thru mobo bios as you already know.

I hope that helps a little.

Mike

brianzion · Sep 30, 2010

DocBrown said:
Do you have Maximum Memory set to zero (0) ? Like in my snip ?

doc what does that do? should it be set to 0 or to your mem max?

brianzion · Sep 30, 2010

heroghost i just put new sticks in my machine i have the same spec as you nearly and i use this to help tell me about the ram >>>> passmark RamMON
PassMark RAMMon - Identify RAM type, speed & memory timings

HeroGhost · Sep 30, 2010

I find it interesting the conflicting opinions on the physical difference. A few of you say they are different, but I've gone to the corsair site and others that say there is no difference, that only the number of sticks is different. I understand that I'm not getting the benefits of the triple channel by running four sticks, but I'm not sure it's cost effective to pay the shipping and restocking fee to downgrade to 6gigs.

HeroGhost · Sep 30, 2010

brianzion said:
heroghost i just put new sticks in my machine i have the same spec as you nearly and i use this to help tell me about the ram >>>> passmark RamMON
PassMark RAMMon - Identify RAM type, speed & memory timings

My ram info from CPU-Z:
Type: DDR3
Size: 8192 MBytes
Channels #: Triple
NB Frequency: 3207.4 MHz
DRAM Frequency: 801.8 MHz
FSB

RAM : 2:12
CAS# Latency(CL): 9.0 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay(tRCD): 9 clocks
RAS# Precharge(tRP): 9 clocks
Cycle Time(tRAS): 24 clocks
Row Refresh Cycle Time(tRFC): 88clocks
Command Rate (CR): 2T

brianzion · Sep 30, 2010

mmm your in a pickle when i put mine in yesterday and rebooted windows started fine and i checked with the passMark raMMon and eveything ok with no probs as yet, i no some of my mates have had trouble and after several times of putting the sticks in and out of the seating they got there's working its critical the pins match up.

HeroGhost · Sep 30, 2010

brianzion said:
mmm your in a pickle when i put mine in yesterday and rebooted windows started fine and i checked with the passMark raMMon and eveything ok with no probs as yet, i no some of my mates have had trouble and after several times of putting the sticks in and out of the seating they got there's working its critical the pins match up.

this morning after being off for 6 hours I started it up and it works fine now. I'm not really sure what the difference is. However, since everyone keeps telling me I should be running 3 or six sticks, I think I'm going to end up returning these and downgrading to 6gigs, just to be optimal. I could just take one stick out, but that's a waste of money to have it sitting around and I currently have no other use for it. Talked to newegg and I'll have to pay $15 in restocking, but they're giving me a free shipping label and the new pack would be free shipping, so I guess I can chalk it up to a $15 lesson in triple channel ram configuration.

brianzion · Sep 30, 2010

HeroGhost said:
brianzion said:

mmm your in a pickle when i put mine in yesterday and rebooted windows started fine and i checked with the passMark raMMon and eveything ok with no probs as yet, i no some of my mates have had trouble and after several times of putting the sticks in and out of the seating they got there's working its critical the pins match up.

Click to expand...

this morning after being off for 6 hours I started it up and it works fine now. I'm not really sure what the difference is. However, since everyone keeps telling me I should be running 3 or six sticks, I think I'm going to end up returning these and downgrading to 6gigs, just to be optimal. I could just take one stick out, but that's a waste of money to have it sitting around and I currently have no other use for it. Talked to newegg and I'll have to pay $15 in restocking, but they're giving me a free shipping label and the new pack would be free shipping, so I guess I can chalk it up to a $15 lesson in triple channel ram configuration.

did you have a look at the screen shot of my sticks? the raMMon is pretty good and tells you most what you want to no i have 4x 2GIG ddr2 all working fine and in tune

sygnus21 · Sep 30, 2010

Dual Channel vs Triple channel memory...

To clearify.....

The memory modules that HeroGhost has are the SAME modules used for the triple channel kits as well. It's the pairing that sets them apart.

In this instance, the difference between the two is in the packaging. Dual channel = 2 matched pairs, Triple channel = 3 matched pairs. Please take note here... Welcome to Corsair :: XMS3 Product Information. Same memory module, different pair configurations!

Where triple channel mode kicks in is in the memory controller on the CPU! - InsideHW - Intel Core i7: Dual-Channel vs. Triple-Channel Memory Mode

And is NOT a function of the XMP profiles, which basically sets voltage (1.6v vs 1.5v), timings (8-8-8-20 vs 9-9-9-24) speed 1600 vs 1066). Have a look at Intel's white paper on XMP - http://www.intel.com/assets/pdf/whitepaper/319124.pdf, section 3.1, figure 2.

You can also check here - Serial presence detect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, scroll down to Enhanched Performance Profile, check out the XMP Profile bytes table to see what XMP does.

The triple channel/dual channel verbiage is basically used to distinguish memory kits, example… when you say triple channel memory it's understood that you want a 3/6 set memory kit. When you say dual channel, you're asking for a 2/4 set memory kit.

From a system standpoint, when you say triple channel memory, you’re saying you have a 1366 socket i7-900 series processor, on an X58 chipset MB. Dual channel would be a socket 1156 i5/i7 500/800 series processor on a P55 chipset MB.

Hope this clears things up

sygnus21 · Sep 30, 2010

brianzion said:
did you have a look at the screen shot of my sticks? the raMMon is pretty good and tells you most what you want to no i have 4x 2GIG ddr2 all working fine and in tune

You don't have a triple channel system like he does. He's better off going with 3 or 6 modules.

Could he run 8gig (4 modules), sure, but... again, why is he here? And as he said, his system is running fine now with just 3 modules installed

My two cents

@ HeroGhost, I think you've made the right decision, and got off cheap.

Good luck.

HeroGhost · Sep 30, 2010

sygnus21 said:
And as he said, his system is running fine now with just 3 modules installed

Actually it's running fine with all 4 installed, but I do appreciate all of the help. My thought now is that you don't spend a bunch of money building a new system not to have it be optimized. Might as well follow everyones(including the manufacturers) advice. I could just add 2 more sticks, but I really don't think my parents need 12 gig of ram for it to be worth the added cost. I might still flip flop on that idea

sygnus21 · Sep 30, 2010

Well, as long as you understand what's going on. Do take a momnet to read what I posted about triple channel vs dual channel memory.

BTW it's always better to get your memory in matched pairs, that's why they sell them as kits. Point being, if you decide to add two more sticks to your system, you'll want to make sure they match what you already heve.

Good luck.

Layback Bear · Sep 30, 2010

I learned a lot reading all this and thanks to all.
To the OP, if you have a desire to know what Windows is doing with your ram type in off of the Start button resmon.

HeroGhost · Sep 30, 2010

Layback Bear said:
I learned a lot reading all this and thanks to all.
To the OP, if you have a desire to know what Windows is doing with your ram type in off of the Start button resmon.

good to know, thanks

DirtyElf · Sep 30, 2010

i noticed that in my computer > properties that windows 7 says:

installed memory 4GB (2GB usable)

why is that?

i have a 1156 socket i7800 series, and currently have 2 2gb sticks installed, waiting on my other 2 to RMA

brianzion · Sep 30, 2010

its nothing to worry over

quite normal

win7 64bit only recognizing 6gig of my 8gig of ram

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