Ram Configuration Gigabyte-GA-Z77X-D3H Motherboard

[Altair]

Hi!

I have a Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H Motherboard, which I'm using on a new computer build. I've also got two sticks of Crucial Balistix Tracer Ram which are 2gb x 2 (4gb). Problem is... I've also just bought an Arctic Cooler (Freezer i30) which unfortunately overhangs the nearest ram slot to it, (DDR 4). I can obviously use the ram slots DDR 2 & DDR 1 for the two ram sticks I have at the moment, which leaves the ram slot DDR3 empty.
Can I use this free ram slot and fit a single 4gb stick, to increase the total ram to 8gb?, or as I'm suspecting...this isn't advisable.
Short question is, will it work?...or will I have to use 2 x 4gb sticks in the ram slots (2&1) to have 8gb of ram. Which obviously means the two sticks of ram I have at the moment will be redundant.

Any information or workrounds would be appreciated!

Altair.

[scaryjim]

You certainly *can* add a separate 4GB stick to get 8GB of RAM. What will happens depends on whether the motherboard supports assymetric setups for dual channel memory (i.e. using different numbers of sticks in different channels). Assuming it *doesn't*, the memory controller will fall back to a single channel mode. This will mean the CPU has less memory bandwidth to access.

In real world use, this is frankly unlikely to be particularly noticable, because very few tasks you perform on a computer are memory bandwidth constrained.

I can't find anything specific on what happens when you run 3 dimms on a z77 board, so it's probably best to assume that it would default to single channel.

The other option would be to check whether proper low profile memory (now usually called *very* low profile, since memory makers have appropriated the term "low profile" to mean ordinary memory without stupidly big heatsinks!) will fit under the i30. Something like this Ballistix Sport VLP might be OK (it's about half the height of standard ram)

EDIT: a third option occurs, but I doubt you'd like it - change your cooler

[Altair]

Thank's 'Scaryjim' for the reply

Well, after a bit of head scratching I found a solution
The cooler will only fit in one position without overhanging the ram slots, which is with the 'front' of the cooler (the black plastic fan housing) facing the rear of the computer case.
The rear of the case (Coolermaster HAF X) has a 140mm fan which is drawing air from inside the case and out through the back. (std. Config.) The Arctic Cooler fan is more or less in line with this 140mm case fan...I just need to turn the Coolers fan 180 degrees in its housing, so instead of pushing air through the cooling fins, it's drawing air from/through the rear of the cooler (which is facing the inside of the case), and venting it out...with help from the 140mm rear case fan.
In theory it should work ok, but obviously I will have to monitor the cpu temp. for a while once the Cooler is finally fitted.
I feel slightly stupid..somewhat... in not seeing this solution before I posted. .....

I shall now slink away...and hide under the nearest stone.....

Thank's once again for your input (thumb's up!)

Altair.