which 12GB memory kit

[Titus]

I'm in the market for 12GB of DDR3 triple channel RAM...I'm confused as to whether it is best to get a 6 x 2GB kit or a 3 x 4GB kit...taking price out of the equation, will filling up all 6 DIMM slots have a negative affect on performance?...I remember in the past it was always recommended to avoid filling up all available memory slots on your motherboard...does the same still apply?

[theYipster]

Assuming this is for an i7 1366 rig, then it depends upon whether or not you are going to overclock, and if so, by how much. At stock these days, there aren't disadvantages to running with all DIMMS filled. While 6 DIMMs will stress the i7's IMC further than 3, your CPU will aptly handle the load at stock or with a modest OC. Some advise to stay away from 1600mhz or faster sticks, and instead to get the lowest latency 1333mhz DIMMs you can find (at a reasonable price.) Others, myself included, run 12GB at 1600mhz without issue.

If you're are looking for a higher OC, say 4ghz+, then things get more complicated. With a good motherboard and good cooling, 4-4.2ghz is usually obtainable (as always, it depends on your chip,) but may require some tweaking to be stable. How much tweaking depends on the particulars of your chip, but generally speaking, 4ghz with 12GB in 6 DIMMs is not as easy as 6GB or 12GB on 3 DIMMs (which, typically speaking, is pretty easy on a 920/930.)

If cost isn't an issue, and you know you are going to OC, then the 3 DIMM set may be more attractive as it will likely make things easier to work with as you reach the upper limits of your chip. If you are not going to OC, then go with 6 DIMMs. Not only is the cost savings significant, you'll find better speeds and timings on 2GB sticks than on 4GB sticks.