16 gb RAM: 2 x 8gb vs 4 x 4gb Dual Channel

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timewaster1700

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Jul 10, 2015
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I'm building a system to be a PLEX streaming station and a nice workstation. My components are:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/N27MHx

I'm considering going with 16 gb ram instead of 8 for futureproofness and the fact that I like to leave things open. I already ordered the Corsair Vengeance 2 x 4 gb set. I've heard running two 8 gb sticks is better than four 4 gb sticks on a dual channel system because it draws less power and strains the memory controller less. My question is how bad of a strain is it really on the memory controller? I want this system to last a long time. If I bought another set of 2 x 4gb Corsair Vengeance to get to 16 gb would it really be that hard on my system? I have no intention of EVER getting 32 gb so saying to go with 2 stick for upgradability doesn't matter to me.
 
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boosted1g

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Jun 12, 2013
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2 kits of the exact same model can still not play nice with each other.

Same models or even different brands, 90-95% chance it will all work fine.
In this case you have the option so might as well eliminate that small percent at no added cost, even if the percent is small.

Also, newegg has a gskill 16gb kit on sale for under $85
 
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boosted1g

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Jun 12, 2013
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What are you using the PC for??

If not doing CAD, 3d modeling, video encoding, or rendering you wont use 16 gb.

Looking to the future it might be a valid argument.

Like I said, if you get the same corsair vengeance kit, 95% chance it will work just fine.
If you are not going to utilize 16gb now then I would just wait until the market is about its lowest for ddr3 as ddr4 starts to become more common.
 
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InvalidError

InvalidError

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For lowest power and lowest likelihood of running into any issues, you are better off with 2x8GB. The only possible advantage of 4x4GB that I can think of is more available open memory rows for the memory controller to work with but the potential performance benefit from that is extremely small.

Personally, I am running 4x8GB Kingston Blue 1600-10-10-10 at 1600-9-9-9 with stock voltage. The two DIMM kits use different PCB revisions and were manufactured four months apart. Before I started using my PC, I let memtest86 burn in for 48 hours and got no errors whatsoever. My PC has never crashed either and I only need to reboot it every 2-3 months to apply Windows updates. My PC is normally on 24/7 except for exceptionally hot summer days where I put it on standby when not in use to give my AC a break.
 
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timewaster1700

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Yeah right now I would mainly do encoding. There is a potential for modeling and video editing. So honestly one thought too of why I considered getting another set of 2 x 4gb is that I could have them overnighted via amazon and finish my build tomorrow. I have all other components and have been anxious to build it all. But its better to be patient for what will work best. If I decide to just wait for my 2 x 4gb kit to come in next week, could I borrow one stick of 4gb G.Skill Ripjaws from a friend and just use it temporarily to get my OS going and then when my ram comes in install it or will this create issues?
 
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timewaster1700

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Ok I figured that was the case. Maybe I'll just borrow a stick from him then to get my OS installed and then put mine in next wednesday. 8gb would probably be sufficient and I can always go up to 16 gb if i need to even though it would cost more to replace with 2 x 8 sticks. Thanks for everyone's help. I really appreciate it.
 
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