Can I use 3 DIMMS in a 4 DIMM MB

Hi,

I have an ASUS P8P67 Deluxe MB with 4 DIMMS, I am running Win7 x64 with 4 2x2Gb sticks (16Gb total). I have been encountering an increasing number of various Memory type BSOD errors. Finally the BSOD started occurring more and more frequently so I ran Memtest86 v5. All the errors were reported between addresses 12800Mb and 13302Mb. I decided to test the sticks individually in each slot. The errors were still reported in the same address range no matter which stick I used as long as it was in slot B1, so I have 4 good sticks but 1 defective slot. Since I have 4 2x2Gb sticks can I use 3 sticks (12Gb), or just two (8Gb)? Very strange 1 slot failing after being in my PC for 2+ years and never having been touched. I don't suppose it could be fixed could it? I'm currently using A1 & A2 (8Gb) and no more BSOD, but I'd prefer more RAM since I've already got 2 more good sticks.

TIA

Norm

Sure, you can use three 4 GB sticks to give you 12 total.

I think you may lose dual channel capability, but that's not a major difference. 12 GB in single channel is certainly better than 8 in dual channel IF you actually use the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th GB of RAM.

Have you monitored how often you actually use more than 8 GB?

I suspect the RAM slot can be repaired, but that the cost would be prohibitive unless you know someone who would do it for you on the cheap as a personal favor. Most likely you'd be forced to buy a new motherboard.

ignatzatsonic said:

Sure, you can use three 4 GB sticks to give you 12 total.

I think you may lose dual channel capability, but that's not a major difference. 12 GB in single channel is certainly better than 8 in dual channel IF you actually use the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th GB of RAM.

Have you monitored how often you actually use more than 8 GB?

I suspect the RAM slot can be repaired, but that the cost would be prohibitive unless you know someone who would do it for you on the cheap as a personal favor. Most likely you'd be forced to buy a new motherboard.

Thanks for your reply, I will monitor the RAM usage - I don't do games and just web searches, emails etc.