Is it better to have 4x4GB or 2x8GB ?

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IrReApErr

IrReApErr

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Aug 22, 2013
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Hello there Users of TomsHardware!

I have a bit of a question to ask about RAM. I have recently been looking at buying the Corsair CMZ8GX3M1A1600C9 Vengeance RAM. I had a look on Amazon and they have bundles selling on their website e.g 2x4GB, 2x8GB. I personally was aiming at 16GB of RAM as that is what I had before one of my sticks of RAM died last year :(

After looking on Amazon, I realized its cheaper to buy the 2x4GB bundle twice instead of buying the 2x8GB bundle but I wasn't sure if it would have any impact using 4 sticks instead of 2 (I am assuming this as it costs more to buy the 2x8GB bundle instead of the 2x4GBx2)

I have also noticed it is cheaper to order the 1x8GB stick of Vengeance RAM twice too. I have left a link to the RAM down below if anyone could help then it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks Reaperr!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004CRSM4I/ref=ox_sc_imb_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE Corsair CMZ8GX3M1A1600C9 Vengeance
 
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QSV
It depends on what kind of system you use.
On 1156, 1155, 1150, 1151 it always better to use just 2 sticks.
On 2011 or 2011-3 its always better to use 4 sticks, because its a quad-channel platform.
On 1366 its better to use 3 sticks, because its a triple channel platform.

Using more than that respectively, will mean more power draw, more things that can fail and the more sticks you have, the lower the maximum RAM overlocking. For example if youre able to overclock your RAM (2x 4 GB) to 3600 MHz and then add 2 more sticks, you will probably only be able to overclock it to around 3200 MHz.

You can order 2 sticks separately and they should work without problem, but its always safer to get a kit, because you dont know if you might get a...
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brispuss

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Dec 27, 2014
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Too minimize load/stress on system, two DIMM's are preferred over four DIMM's. Four DIMM's increases system load which can lead to instability and can shorten component lifespan.

It is not recommended to use two or more individual memory modules (which are not from the same dual/quad channel kit) at the same time as there is a high probably of system instability, freezes, crashes, and even failure to boot due to variations in module characteristics. Even same modules with the same part number can have varying characteristics which may make them incompatible.

Therefore it is recommended that a dual channel kit (2 x 8 GB) be used as the modules have been factory tested for compatibility and will work together.
 
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Kiril1512

Kiril1512

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Jun 4, 2014
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You will benefit from dual-chanel in both options.
If you will buy the 2x8 GB you have 2 pros on the 4x4.

By 2x8 you will be able to expand your ram in future (4x8).
You have more space for big air cooling that need place when the first dim is instaled (example EVO 212).

And if the 2x8 will be chepaer in overall this is also a pros.
 
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IrReApErr

IrReApErr

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Aug 22, 2013
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On Amazon, its cheaper to buy one stick of 8GB twice than to buy 2x8GB but surely buying two separate sticks of 8GB would be the same as 2x8GB bundle right?
 
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QSV

QSV

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It depends on what kind of system you use.
On 1156, 1155, 1150, 1151 it always better to use just 2 sticks.
On 2011 or 2011-3 its always better to use 4 sticks, because its a quad-channel platform.
On 1366 its better to use 3 sticks, because its a triple channel platform.

Using more than that respectively, will mean more power draw, more things that can fail and the more sticks you have, the lower the maximum RAM overlocking. For example if youre able to overclock your RAM (2x 4 GB) to 3600 MHz and then add 2 more sticks, you will probably only be able to overclock it to around 3200 MHz.

You can order 2 sticks separately and they should work without problem, but its always safer to get a kit, because you dont know if you might get a different revision on one of them if you buy them separately.
 
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IrReApErr

IrReApErr

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Aug 22, 2013
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Thanks for your help! :)
 
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