24gb 1600mhz memory on GA-X58A-UD3R?

[shikae]

I have 12gb (3x4gb) of ADATA 1600 mhz memory on my board now (memory model number = AX3U1600GC4G9-2​G). I know technically 1600mhz is not ideal according to the ram compatibility PDF for gigabyte, but it has worked great for a year. I want to max out my board to 24gb. running win7 64 pro.

I would like to just buy the same model memory, but I'm slightly concerned I'll have problems. Last night I was adding some hard drives, and I decided to move one of the 4gb sticks to another slot (all 3 are currently all in the white slots). I moved one to non-white slot and the OS wouldn't boot- got the "checking dram size" and got a reboot loop. Put the memory back in its original spot and all memory was recognized and it booted properly.This got me concerned about adding more sticks- is this related? Or should I not worry?

Basically I can buy only 12gb more of my same model memory, which would cost $57 from amazon

http://www.amazon.com/ADATA-Gaming-1600Mhz-Desktop-AX3U1600GC4G9-2G/dp/B003E1TQCK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=31SATUYGTLC1B&coliid=IIESK043ZRKK
http://www.amazon.com/ADATA-DDR3-1600MHz-Gaming-Series-Memory/dp/B005E7JUGO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=31SATUYGTLC1B&coliid=I5E6TMIXMPPP9

Or I could buy 24gb all new memory from one of the supported memory companies/models from the gigabyte site. This kingston kit here-

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Technology-Hexa-Channel-KHX1600C9D3K6-24GX/dp/B0033C2A50/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=31SATUYGTLC1B&coliid=I37BTU1612Q5QT


Should I just buy my original memory and test it and return it if it doesn't work? I don't know how good amazon's return policy is on used/open memory. Or am I due for problems trying to use 24gb of 1600mhz memory?

[shikae]

I think I have the "FH" updated version of the BIOS.

I also noticed that although the memory is labeled 1600, I believe it's only running at 1066 mhz (at least that's what it said during POST).. I never changed any bios settings as they are loaded to optimized defaults..

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Firstly I am not surprised that you had problems when you swapped the memory module to a different slot. You cannot just stick them anywhere that you feel like it you know! The reason for the different colours of slots is because there are different memory configurations. You can choose between single, dual and triple channel setups. The most efficient is to use triple channel and for that the best slots to fill first are the white slots. As all the sticks must be purchased together as a single matched set you cannot buy some RAM and then just add some more later as it probably wouldn't work or at the very least be unstable. It isn't like the old days I'm afraid. It would be best to sell your old RAM and purchase new.

You mention that your memory is running at the default speed rather than the rated speed. That is because you haven't changed the selection in the BIOS and so it is on Auto still.

Unless you are needing the extra RAM to run some intensive usage like Photoshop or video  or audio usage you won't see much difference at all from having the board full. If you are still determined to fill the slots then I would recommend buying a couple of matching Triple Channel kits like the Corsair Dominator 1600.  You could go for even faster memory but the price will soar as does the speed.

I have the X58A-UD7 version of this motherboard and have it filled with Corsair Dominator 1600 memory. It is excellent and very stable. I have also filled it with Vengeance sticks as well which seem to work fine.

[shikae]

Hi Mantis,

I do want to max the memory out because I primarily use my computer for photo/video editing.

You mentioned that I should just purchase them together as a matched set... I currently have 3 sticks (3x4gb). If I buy the exact same model, just 3 more sticks of 3x4GB, I assume that would be the same as a matched set?

[Dark Mantis]

I am sorry to say but no. You have to buy the modules as a matched set. Three of the same kind just wont do. Ideally get a matched set of six if possible but you might get away with two matched sets of three.

[shikae]

thank you very much