Question : With an Intel I7-920 CPU -- am I wasting money buying DDR3 1600 RAM

I just got a brand-new Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R motherboard with an Intel I 7-920 CPU. I went to the Gigabyte Website and checked out their approved list of triple channel memory RAM.

RAM above 1600 (i.e. DDR 3 1800) runs as one DIMM per channel only. DDR three 1600 runs as triple channel. I don't understand the technical difference. But I would like to.

But my question is, now that I have ordered two 6 GB (3 x 2 GB) OCZ PC3-12800  DDR#3 1600 triple-channel memory kits (OCZ3X1600R2LV6GK), which is approved on the gigabyte site, as tested triple channel memory. I have learned a blogger could not get his DDR 3 1600 modules to perform at that speed (using an Azus Motherboard with an Intel I7-920 CPU)

A representative of the RAM company defending the DDR 3 1600 modules wrote:
"we apologize for this inconvenience. however, the Intel I7 memory controller is not good to run with 6 modules installed. they need to have stronger single. if you use rated DDR3 1600 memory 6 modules, the best you can get is DDR3 1333. if you want to run DDR3 1600, you need to purchase DDR3 1800 or 1866 memory. there is nothing wrong with each memory modules, it just I7 doesn't support over DDR3 1066 if you check out the Intel I7 website."

http://www.intel.com/products/processor/corei7/specifications.htm

What should I do?  And why?  What will happen if I use the DDR3 1600 RAM, triple channel memory sticks, and even I should buy them, will I get a noticable bang for my buck by increasing to 1600 over 1333?  And what does "One DIMM Per Channel Only" mean?

Also, as an extra credit question, am I buying the right memory?  The OZC OCZ3X1600R2LV6GK memory is more expensive than similar, cheaper, G-Skill DDR3 1600 memory (that is not on Gigabytes list, but seems to be getting better reviews from G-Sill customers then the OCZ RAM is getting.

If I act fast enough, I could probably cancel the shipment of
OCZ:  1600MHz DDR3 CL 8-8-8-24 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS) 1.65 Volts
and get the
G-Skill: F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ is 1600MHz and has CL 9-9-9-24 (don't know the voltage)
or find
great 1333 memory (by any maker you recommend)

Answer : With an Intel I7-920 CPU -- am I wasting money buying DDR3 1600 RAM

... while I'm writing this, I'll vent a bit: I REALLY wish the chipset makers would support buffered RAM on desktop chipsets. As systems migrate towards 64 bit CPUs, and home-based systems tend towards large amounts of installed RAM, it would be really nice if you could safely install as much as you want without concerns for bus loading. But the simple fact is that isn't the case, so if you want prodigous amounts of RAM you need to use a server-based motherboard with a Xeon CPU ==> you can still install a desktop OS (i.e. Windows 7) ... but then you can install as much RAM as you want :-)

Meanwhile, I consider 8GB the practical max for dual-channel systems (using 2 x 4GB modules) and 12GB the practical max for triple-channel systems (using 3 x 4GB modules).

... but 4GB modules are fairly pricey, so for many that translates to 4GB for dual-channel and 6GB with triple-channel, using the more affordable 2GB modules.

Note:   Your OCZ modules should work fine as long as you only install one kit (3 modules).