If you look on the market, you will find kits with one, two or four RAM memory modules. Installing a single module is rare and is usually done on inexpensive systems such as OEMs. In fact, it has a technical explanation and that we will try to explain in a very simplified way.
(Simple) RAM Operation
Our computer’s processor has what is called cache memory where it stores data. Not all data can be stored there, because they are very small, only the most important or recurring ones are saved. All remaining information is stored in RAM.
For communication between memory RAM y he processor there are ways to exclusive communication. No other component can access RAM without going through the processor.
The shorter the memory access time, the better the performance. said time of access depends basically two things: speed and there number of mods.
Memories will be group inpersonal computers in Parry commonly called Dual channel. The processor writes to both modules at the same time, doubling the bandwidth.
Basically, if you buy a 3200 MHz memory kit, the two modules don’t run at that speed, they run at 1600 MHz, as it’s written in parallel, the speeds add up. Now you can guess the problem of installing odd modules.
If we have odd modules, the working frequency is half, so the performance is half. The processor requires more time to write or collect stored information, losing many features.
Special feature of installing three modules
The normal thing is to install one, two or four modules. In the first case we will have low performance, so we will obtain worse results than with the other two configurations. For systems with four modules, it must be emphasized that the memories are grouped into two sets, a Quad Channel system is not generated, but we have two Dual Channel systems.
But, what happens if we install three modules? We have several possibilities, which are:
- Same capacity: Let’s say the three modules They have a capacity of 8 GB. The processor will detect the Dual Channel configuration and that there is another independent module. Like him processor It’s not silly, the configuration of two nested memories will prevail and leave the third module for “in case it’s needed”. Come on, basically it’s going to be “forgotten”
- Different capacity: say we have 8 GB modules each and install a 16 GB. Indeed, we will have 32 GB, but we will have several problems. These are:
- Divide this new module 16 GB (if possible) in two parts of 8 GB. It will generate a “virtual” Dual Channel that will not be physical, so performance will be worse. Simplified, each of the two “halves” will run at 800 MHz and the Dual Channel will be at 1600 MHz, not 3200 MHz or 4800 MHz.
- It may not support the internal dividing of memories and then the same will happen as if they have the same capacity. These 16 GB will have a secondary functioncome on, it will be activated when more memory is needed
conclusion
The configuration of a module is, essentially, for very low cost basic systems. But the three-module configuration is a very strange thing to see. It is a very atypical configuration and which generates more problems than advantages.
Without a doubt, the best thing to do is to install two RAM memory modules and the most normal thing. It allows you to get the best performance possible. If you want to expand the capacity, the best thing to do is to install two additional modules.
