1x8gb or 2x4gb (single channel vs dual channel)

rafin2000

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Jun 19, 2014
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I have only two options. either a gskill 2x4gb or a corsair 1x8gb(both are 1600mhz). i wont be upgrading ram anytime soon unless games have a minimum requirement of more than 8gb. so which option better? my mobo is h81 so i have 2 slots of ram. also is there any noticeable difference in gaming between single channel and dual channel?
thanks. :D
 
noticeable difference? No.
The better choice here would be to go with the single 8GB stick, so if you plan on upgrading in the future you could throw in another 8GB stick.
...But if its just for gaming you will be fine with 8GB for a long while.

What are the exact RAM variants in question? I have no doubt they are both 1600Mhz, but their latency might be different. The difference in latency would have a far greater impact than single channel vs dual channel
 

Rit_86

Distinguished
2x4gb is a much better option as they will operate in dual channel mode. The difference will be very noticeable in high load scenarios.
Also, let's not forget, in case any one of your RAM malfunctions, you will still have a fully functional computer.
 
Last I remember, the single vs. dual channel performance difference is 3%-5%. That's not much, unless your other components place you on the margin of playability in some games. Rit-86 makes a good point about a malfunction. Unless you particularly enjoy the very latest titles, the likelihood of needing an upgrade any time soon is slim.