Odd number of RAM modules

[RockJake28]

What are the repercussions of having an odd number of RAM modules.

E.g. 3 x 4GB

I know it will work but I want to know exactly what damage it can do/problems it can create.

Cheers

EDIT: And also, why is it better to have more RAM modules
(e.g 2x4GB < 4x2GB)

[caperjack]

hi, you could search google.com and get a better answer than i can give ,for sure ,

there is no problems in having odd numbers it will not cause any damage to the computer , ,i have 4 slots in my computer ,only using 3 of them ,3x1gb,not an issue ,but i do loose out the DDR [double data rate ]function by not having the 4th slot filled .

its always better to have more as windows and the programs you have installed on the computer will all use there fair share to run better , ,so the more you have for it to access the better .

[javanoob101]

if you have more ram modules, I'd think that the OS can spread out it's memory functions over all the ram modules rather than overloading the 2 or 1 modules instead. atleast that seems to make sense right? if you only have 1 chip, it's going to be overloaded with commands to store memory.
as for having 3 ram modules, i don't see much of a problem with it other than not having dual channels or DDR like caperjack mentioned, I'll try it out at home and let you know though.

javanoob101

[caperjack]

windows will not overload ram chips ,what it does is clear ram not being used at the moment ,ram chips is wiped clean each time computer is rebooted .

i have been using 3 ram chips with one slot empty for about 3 yrs now,no problem .i even have 3 different speeds in use ,they will all automaticly run at the lowest speed . ,just put the forth chip in yesterday ,this thread reminded me that i had one two use .

[ggeoff]

Hi I have a similar query in that one of my memory slots has a broken retaining clip (which is not repairable, I think). I have a Dell 690 with two banks of memory (8 slots). Bank 1 has two 2GB sticks and two 1GB sticks. Bank 2 has the damaged slot in slot position two. I have several 1GB sticks and wonder whether I can just fill the three good slots or whether I should leave two slots empty as the memory is supposed to be installed in pairs.

[caperjack]

Hi I have a similar query in that one of my memory slots has a broken retaining clip

if its just the retainer that is broken it should still work ,last time i had a computer wit ha broken retainer click i use hot Glue gun to but a nice dab of glue on the end where the retainer goes,worked for me good luck