So I recently started upgrading my home pc instead of building fresh. And my motherboard has 4 slots for RAM, and I was wondering if I needed to use all 4 slots when up upgrading to 16gb or if it would work only utilizing 2 of the slots with 2x 8gb sticks.
RAM upgrade quick question
- Thread starter ZeSmaj
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Compuser10165
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I don't know which motherboard do you have but every motherboard list the maximum RAM supported. I'm guessing for you that's 32gb. So you can definitely use 2x8gb RAM configuration, actually it will perform a little better than a 4x4gb configuration assuming that the motherboard supports dual channel not quad channel (again, most likely). Just make sure to insert the sticks in the corect slots. P.S. Check the motherboard manual online if you don't have it.
mudpuppet
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- Jun 20, 2012
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You can do the 2 sticks, it doesn't have to be 4. The slots should be color coded however, so check your instructions for the motherboard (if you have them) to make sure you install the RAM in the correct slots. Google works faster than an manual probably (and most people don't hold on to those things).
Tradesman1
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For 16GB, 2x8GB is preferable (less stress on the MC(memory controller), though 4x4GB is fine - however if thinking adding 2x4GB to a current 2x4GB - be aware there are no guarantees when 'adding' to existing DRAM, even if you get an identical set of what you already have, it's onlly 50/50 they will play with the old.
16 gigs in 4 slots has a higher effective clock speed than 16 gig in two slots with 2 open system can pair ram to double effective clk spd assuming u have the headroom in ur psu if ur near ur peak go with 2 sticks (less power consumption)
Tradesman1
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____________________
With 4 slots, it's more than likely a dual channel based mobo, so 2x8GB is more effective and can be a little faster than a 4x4GB which would be preferred if it's a 2011 (straight or a v3) which can run true quad channel
Compuser10165
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