If you look at the Motherboard, you can see multiple slots for placing the RAM Stick. Some Motherboards have two, some have four, and some have eight. But, do you know Which RAM Slots to Use on the Motherboard?
Placing the RAM Sticks on the right slots can increase your system’s performance.
If you are not sure how many RAM slots your motherboard has, check out the article on How Many RAM Slots do I have.
Table of Contents
Which RAM Slots to Use?
Also, read this article and understand the Types of RAMs.
2 RAM Slots:
All modern computers (Motherboard) come with a minimum of 2 RAM slots. So, if you have bought a 2-Slot Motherboard, you can place both sticks. But, if you only have one Stick place it in the Slot that is closer to the CPU (Processor).
4 RAM Slots:
Now, some motherboards have 4 Slots. Usually, such motherboards have two different color sets. You can see it in the pictures below. Two Slots have the same color, and the other two have the same color.
So, if you are installing only Two RAM Sticks, place them in the same colors (alternate slots). In Slots 1 & 3 or in Slots 2 & 4.
For example, the GIGABYTE TRX40 has 8 Ram Slots.
Use RAM Sticks in Pair:
We shall always use RAM in Pairs. You should use either Two RAM Sticks or Four RAM Sticks. Only then they will run in Dual Channel Mode. If you use Three Sticks, they will run in Single Channel Mode.
We have explained about in detail in our RAM Buying Guide.
So, instead of buying 3 x 4 GB Ram sticks, it is wise to use 2 x 4 GB Sticks. Or, you can use the setup of 2 x 8 GB or 4 x 4 GB.
Note that when using multiple RAM Sticks, all Sticks should be of the same Memory Size, Brand, Generation, and Clock Speed.
Which RAM Slot to Use on Laptop:
On Laptop, the RAM Slot Setup is different than on the Desktop. You will probably find Two RAM Slots in most Laptops. Here, you should place the RAM on the lower Slot of the Motherboard.
Conclusion:
Non-Technical users place the RAM Stick in a default RAM slot. But, Moderate users get confused about Which RAM Slots to Use to improve performance. So, they can follow the above method.
However, modern computers are built differently. And, if you are using the latest computer, you don’t have to worry about Which RAM Slots to Use. You can place the RAM Sticks in random slots, as there won’t be a major difference.
