If you look in the market, you will find kits with one, two or four RAM memory modules. Installing just one module is uncommon and is typically done on inexpensive systems such as OEMs. Actually, it has a technical explanation and that we are going to try to explain in a very simplified way.
(Simple) Operation of RAM
The processor of our computer has the so-called cache memory where it stores data. Not all the data can be stored there, since it is very small, only the most important or recurring ones are saved. All the remaining information is stored in RAM memory.
For communication between memory ram and he processor there are ways of exclusive communication. No other component can access RAM without first going through the processor.
The shorter the memory access time, the better performance. Said time of access depends fundamentally two things: speed and the number of modules.
The memories will group inhome computers, in peers which is commonly called Dual Channel. The processor writes to both modules at the same time, doubling the bandwidth.
Basically, if we buy a 3,200 MHz memory kit, the two modules do not work at this speed, they work at 1,600 MHz. As it is written in parallel, the speeds are “added”. 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 the stored information, losing many features.
Peculiarity 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, we must highlight 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 that the three modules They are 8 GB capacity. The processor will detect the Dual Channel configuration and that there is another independent module. As the processor It is not stupid, the configuration of two nested memories will prevail and leave the third module for “in case it is necessary”. Come on, basically it will be “forgotten”
- Different capacity: let’s say we have two 8 GB modules each and install one 16GB. Indeed, we will have 32 GB, but we will have several problems. These are:
- Split that 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 the performance will be worse. In a simplified way, each of the two “halves” will work at 800 MHz and the Dual Channel will be at 1,600 MHz, not 3,200 MHz or 4,800 MHz.
- It may not support the internal division of memories and then the same thing will happen as if they had 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, basically, for basic systems of very low cost. But, the three module configuration is a very strange thing to see. It is a very atypical configuration and one that generates more problems than benefits.
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 possible performance. If you want to expand the capacity, the best thing to do is to install two additional modules.
