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Looking at getting an i7 Imac, but...

  • 13-03-2010 11:13am
    #1
    banquo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,487 ✭✭✭


    Don't i7s perform better with RAM in multiples of three? I've heard that from so many places, including a few pro forums. Can anyone recommend:

    a) Yeah, shop around and grab it in multiples of three, should run better. Or,

    b) Dude, you're getting a 27'' iMac, stfu complaining about your sexy beast of a computer.

    Cheers!


Comments

  • #2
    Talisman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,289 ✭✭✭Talisman


    The Core i7 supports triple-channel memory and performs best with three channels in use however it does require identical RAM modules. If the timings aren't the same for each of the modules then there is no performance gain.


  • #3
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Explain this multiple of three thing to me please will ya ?

    I've a 27" imac with the i7 and 4 gb ram and it's absolutely awesome for my needs. Recommend you buy one...


  • #4
    Dorsanty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 535 ✭✭✭Dorsanty


    Well wikipedia sucks on the explanation a bit. It tries to tie the memory type to whether a system is dual channel or triple channel. I don't see any technical reason DDR2 couldn't be used in triple channel configuration, it's just they don't make boards for it is all. It does however give an effective explanation on why you'd want this multiple channel memory architecture Dual-channel_architecture I wouldn't mind seeing a diagram of the memory access path for an i7 cpu core accessing triple channel memory.

    I just did a quick search for motherboards which take the i7, seems they all have 4 slots. So I don't know how they are splitting 4 into 3. Last I checked you needed matching dimms for similar timing and also the same capacity in all in order for the triple channel or dual channel to operate efficiently and with the maximum available ram.

    As for home computer use, you'll not really notice this at all unless you are doing video editing or other high use activities. It would be more of a concern for someone building a server.


  • #5
    banquo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,487 ✭✭✭banquo


    Do a good bit of photoshop/design stuff with large files and a few different programs open, so I'll be grabbing another 4GB from the internet.

    Thanks for the answers, just wanted to see if anyone though that it was a big deal. Apparently not.

    I really want one. It just looks so pretty.


  • #6
    Kbeg3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 679 ✭✭✭Kbeg3


    I have the i7 with 8GBs of Ram and find it super! :)


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  • #7
    banquo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,487 ✭✭✭banquo


    Really? I really want one, been drooling after one for months. Might pop into town tomorrow and take *another* look at a display model :D


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