RAM upgrade from 8Gb to 16Gb

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Raeq

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Apr 8, 2015
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Hello people,

I have a system with 8Gb RAM in dual-channel configuration, 2x4Gb. However the same RAM kit i bought earlier would now be on sale for me and i'm considering buying another 2x4Gb kit to add up to a total of 16Gb RAM.
My main computer usage is higher-end gaming (modded skyrim, Witcher 3) and heavy Photoshop and digital painting. Should i take the offer? It's not dirt-cheap but 40% off...

My mobo is Asus Z97-A

Thanks!
 
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dfk

dfk

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Dec 23, 2013
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2x8GB kit would be preferable (less stress on the cpu memory controller compared to 4x4GB if you're overclocking too). but 4x4GB could work just fine although there's no guarantee that mixing RAM (even though they are the same specs) will play nice. if you run in to problems getting the four to work together, you can post here to ask for adjustments to BIOS settings to get them running.
 
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R

Raeq

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Apr 8, 2015
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Thanks for the quick reply! The RAM in question is actually identical to the set i have installed currently, even from the same store. My main concern is that would 16Gb be even helpful/reasonable compared to the 8Gb i already have.
And since my motherboard is a dual channel one, would there be any drawbacks to having all 4 DIMM slots occupied.
 
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dfk

dfk

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Only you have the answer to that as it depends on your current usage. If you are already near the memory limit of 8GB RAM when gaming or working with Photoshop/other apps, then upgrading to 16GB would help.

Having all 4 DIMM slots occupied on Z97-A will still run in dual channel as long as the sticks are identical. Drawback will be more stress on CPU memory controller with 4 DIMMs compared to 2, which is only a concern if you are pushing high OC at the same time. With 4 DIMMs is can be more time consuming to make sure the sticks play well together (for example some mobos need DRAM voltage adjustment for 4 non-kit sticks), and takes more time to test them individually for errors if any problems.

You could also sell the 2x4GB and get a compatible 2x8GB kit if you really need 16GB, that would save some headaches, is just my suggestion.
 
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R

Raeq

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Apr 8, 2015
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Nice to see constructive advice! So a 2x8Gb layout of RAM would be the best option all around, but the case here is that the second set of 2x4 would be so cheap to acquire right now, as it's on sale. I'll mark your post as the solution but if you could offer your input on how big of an issue the "more stress on CPU memory controller" would be, if i were to overclock later on, etc.

My CPU is an intel i5-4690k, if that makes a difference.

Thanks for the help!
 
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dfk

dfk

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Hi, thanks and you're welcome. As for that, it's because more voltage is needed by the RAM and CPU memory controller with 4 DIMMS. So it does affect overclocking but is only a concern if pushing high cpu OC and RAM OC too. If you do plan to OC and tweak RAM all the way then 2 DIMMS is the way to go for better performance and overclock-ability.

In general many people have found that (2) DIMMs are easier to OC higher than (4) DIMMs but there is no guarantee. Some mobos restrict OC'ing of the RAM when all DIMM slots are filled. Thus if you have a choice and the price is similar (2) DIMMs tend to have better "potential" for OC'ing.
Click to expand...
from: http://www.overclock.net/t/1261198/2-sticks-ram-vs-4-sticks-for-overclocking/0_30

So in short 2 sticks have an advantage over 4 sticks for OCing all the way to its limits, but there is no harm in using all 4 DIMMs.
 
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