you have the i7 920 CPU which comes with a x58 chipset...this means it was sold as the R1

The x58 chipset supports triple channel memory, but you are free to decide how many slots you want to use.

Your CPU won't  benefit too much from 1600MHZ RAM...if it is cheaper go for 1333MHZ instead.

Generally, best results are obtained if you keep it simple i.e 3 x 2GB or 3 x 4GB - don't mix and match with different brands as the timings will likely be different and may cause you stability issues.

you should be able to put 4GB in one slot, but you should consult the R1 owner's manual to ensure you are putting them in the recommended slots. There are often differences between motherboards and this should be checked.

Triple channel is a technical term that refers to a way of plugging same sized RAM sticks in multiples of 3...theoretically it provides slightly better performance in your computer. But rarely ever worth the effort.

OK thank you. So just keeping the 4GB of 1333MHz and buying another 8GB of the same brand and a similar model would be my best bet then?

Triple channel means that your mobo is optimized to have modules installed in sets of three.  That doesn't mean that it won't boot up with 2 sticks, or even 1, but it will generally run best with 3.  

As AAA737flyer told you, do not mix ram - you will have compatibility issues. Ram is sold in kits for a reason.  3 x 4 GB or 6 x 2GB - it's up to you. Some say fewer sticks is less stress on the memory controller, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

Your mobo has six slots. If you get a 3 module kit, use only the gray slots.  I have been using the Corsair CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9 kit for the past 4 years with no issues.

Hi everyone!

Just to clarify, the Aurora R1 supports up to 24 GB (1067 MHz and 1333 MHz) or 12 GB (1600 MHz XMP). The module capacities supported are 1 GB, 2 GB and 4 GB.

According to the Service Manual, the recommended configurations are slots 1, 3, and 5 or 1 - 6. Check the following guide:

So should I return the 4GB of 1333MHz RAM I bought and buy a 12GB (3 x 4GB) set or can I just buy 2 more (singular) of the exact same brand and model as the 4GB I just bought? Does it absolutely 100% have to be a set?

If you recommend returning it I am thinking about just buying 1600MHz instead of 1333MHz because it is only 10$ more expensive (for a 12GB set), would it be worth upgrading for gaming?

If it's worth upgrading to 1600MHz what exactly is 1600MHz XMP? Is that a specific type of 1600MHz RAM and how do I know if the RAM I am looking at is XMP?

If it's not worth upgrading then does the 1333MHz RAM I buy have to be a certain PC3# such as 10600, 10660, or 10666? Or does that not matter?

Also what are the specific brands of RAM suggested for my processor? I have read some brands are better for some processors, do you suggest CORSAIR the most?

Lastly with it being a "triple channel" if I just bought a 2-pack (2 x 4GB each) of RAM and only put in two memory sticks in the appropriate slots that would work right? I know it's recommended to do by 3's by technically speaking I could just put two sticks in and might not run into any problems?

Please answer these questions as I am going to take action tonight most likely so I can get the RAM ASAP as the game I want to upgrade for just launched two days ago. Thanks for all the help thus far!

There are many different memory configurations. Different brands and speeds won't work well together, so that's why it's recommended to buy a set. You can install 2 or 3 memory sticks in the recommended configurations I posted above. As for gaming, 8GB should be more than enough.

The description matches the specifications for the Aurora R1. However, I can't guarantee it will perform properly as this isn't a validated memory upgrade for this model.

I would recommend you buy the Dell certified memory. Send an email to alienhelp@dell.com to get more information.