Question about dual channel memory.

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Bojangle12

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Feb 10, 2014
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I know that dual channel increases performance a bit, but i was wondering if the dual channel kits they sell are really just two identical memory sticks, or if they are manufactured to work like dual channel?

Im asking this because im thinking of buying 2x4gb kit, then buying another, identical 2x4gb kit later when i get more memory. Can i do this, or should i just buy a 4x4gb kit right now?
 
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Tradesman1
Best to get all at once in a single set, and if mobo supports it 2x8GB rather than 4x4GB, 2 sticks is less stress on the MC (memory controller) than 4 sticks. Also it's never a good idea to mix packages of DRAM, even the same exact model, those 4 stick packages you see that cost a few dollars more than 2 two stick packages, cost a bit more because of the testing, it's harder to pair up 4 sticks that all play nice than it is to pair up 2 sticks, also XMP programming is done by the packaged set, the advanced timings for a 4 stick set differ from a 2 stick set, i.e. a 2 stick set may call for a tRFC of 208 while a 4 stick set needs a 278 tRFC, another thing is the memory manufacturers guarantee packaged sets only, no guarantees for...
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leeb2013

leeb2013

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just 2 closely matched sticks. two now, two later is fine. Many people do this. The first pair will be dual channel and the second pair dual channel, but it's not dual channel between pairs. Note though that if you get 2 completely different pairs eg 1 pair 1600 and 1 pair 1800, then you'll have to run a common timing which both pairs work at, but this won't affect dual channel.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Best to get all at once in a single set, and if mobo supports it 2x8GB rather than 4x4GB, 2 sticks is less stress on the MC (memory controller) than 4 sticks. Also it's never a good idea to mix packages of DRAM, even the same exact model, those 4 stick packages you see that cost a few dollars more than 2 two stick packages, cost a bit more because of the testing, it's harder to pair up 4 sticks that all play nice than it is to pair up 2 sticks, also XMP programming is done by the packaged set, the advanced timings for a 4 stick set differ from a 2 stick set, i.e. a 2 stick set may call for a tRFC of 208 while a 4 stick set needs a 278 tRFC, another thing is the memory manufacturers guarantee packaged sets only, no guarantees for multiple sets
 
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Bojangle12

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Feb 10, 2014
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Really? so if im going for 16gb, its better to get 2x8gb rather than 4x4gb?

But the 4gb sticks generally have better CAS Latency and timings. is the stress on the MC really that important?
 
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