Single Channel vs Dual Channel RAM Performance Difference??

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gumbob3

gumbob3

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If I do a PC build using an i3-6100, and a motherboard with only 2 RAM slots, would I be better off doing 1x8gb ram (later upgrade to 2x8gb). Or, would I be better off getting 2x4gb or 2x8gb right away? What I'm asking is, how big is the performance difference between 1x8gb and 2x8gb. Since I'm not using an APU, would the performance boost be that big? THANKS!!
 
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You have to use a Z170 chipset motherboard to use RAM faster than DDR4 2133 with any Skylake chip. Most people buying an i3 don't use Z170 so it's pointless to recommend anything faster unless you are sure of their board. ;)

Dual channel doubles the available bandwidth. That translates to somewhere between a 5% and 10% real world performance boost. So it's not a huge hit only running a single stick of RAM but it is measurable.
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Bearmann

Bearmann

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It depends if you are using a separate GPU or not. If you are using a separate GPU, then there is no significant performance difference with Skylake. The problem is that sometimes it's hard to mix new RAM with old RAM (or even the same RAM purchased on the same day from the same store if not purchased in a matched kit).

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1478-page1.html

https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/492721-skylake-gaming-performance-scaling-with-ddr4-ram-frequency/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESeoexGLVFU
 
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gumbob3

gumbob3

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i3-6100 iGPU
 
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Bearmann

Bearmann

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If you are using the integrated graphics, get two sticks for dual channel, and if it's for gaming, try to get something reasonably fast like 2666-2800. These are very nice:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f42800c16d8gvr
 
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You have to use a Z170 chipset motherboard to use RAM faster than DDR4 2133 with any Skylake chip. Most people buying an i3 don't use Z170 so it's pointless to recommend anything faster unless you are sure of their board. ;)

Dual channel doubles the available bandwidth. That translates to somewhere between a 5% and 10% real world performance boost. So it's not a huge hit only running a single stick of RAM but it is measurable.
 
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gumbob3

gumbob3

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I don't know if you are talking to me, or bearman. Sometimes faster ram is actually cheaper, lol.
 
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As long as you are aware of the real limitations and explain that to the OP, it's all good. Nothing wrong with going faster but don't tell people faster ( not saying you are, just in general ) is better when it literally won't run at anything but 2133.
 
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Bearmann

Bearmann

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That's a good point. I shouldn't have assumed. Regarding dual channel, in Skylake you can have up to a 30% real world performance difference when using the IGPU.
 
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