Dual channel with two different sized memory sticks

Question

Hello,

My Inspiron 5447 motherboard supports dual-channel usage and I'm planning to upgrade RAM from 8GB (two 4GB sticks) to 12GB (8GB + 4GB, same memory speed on both sticks). However, I'm not sure whether I'll lose the dual-channel feature.

In this upgrade example, will dual-channel work?

I see no consensus on the internet whether using different-sized RAM sticks will block dual-channel. Some people say that same-sized RAM sticks are needed, although some people say all is needed is the same speed on both RAM sticks.

Thanks,

DELL-Jesse L · Accepted Answer

Below are the memory specs for the Inspiron 5447. Using different-sized RAM sticks should not block dual-channel.

Dell - Inspiron™ 14/5447/5448 - Memory

Memory

Inspiron™ 14/5447/5448 ships with DDR3L 1600 MHz memory. The system has two memory (RAM) slots, which are accessible by removing the bottom base cover.

The system supports the following Memory configurations on slot 1 and 2:

4GB x 1
2GB x 1 + 4GB x 1
4GB x 1 + 4GB x 1
8GB x 1 + 4GB x 1
8GB x 1 + 8GB x 1

The"L" in DDR3L stands for low-voltage. It uses up to at least 15% less power than DDR3 and 40% compared to DDR2.

.Dell - Inspiron™ 14/5447/5448 - System Specifications

Memory module capacities	4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB, and/ or 16 GB
Memory type	1600 MHz, Dual-Channel DDR3L

Inspiron

Dual channel with two different sized memory sticks

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