How should I buy RAM?

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Tweed

Tweed

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I find it that if I buy 2 of the same kits is cheaper than buying 1 kit. For example 2x(2x8GB) versus (4x8GB).
Is there a difference if I buy 2 kits or is it better to just buy 1 kit? Of the many examples, here is one:
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/gskill-memory-f43000c14d16gtz,gskill-memory-f43000c14q32gtz/
 
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Darkbreeze
Then you should easily be able to run 3200mhz or higher DDR4. I think I may have confused you earlier too. What I meant is that if you want 16GB, you want to get ALL 16GB in one set, whether that's two modules at 2x8GB or four modules at 4x4GB. However, it's always less stressful on the memory controller to use fewer modules, so if you can get the desired amount of total memory using a pair of matched modules that came together in a set, that's always better than four modules that came together in a set. For 32GB, 2x16GB would be the better option.

The exception to this would be on X99/2011-3 configurations that support quad channel operation. In those cases, where quad channel is supported, you'd want to go with four modules as the...
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Yes, there is a difference. If you intend to run four modules, you're rolling the dice that there won't be any kind of issues. Even identical part number kits that came off the same production line can have issues with compatibility. If you want to run four modules it's highly recommended that you buy them all in one kit so you'll know they've already been fully tested for compatibility with each other.

Obviously, this isn't ALWAYS a problem, and quite often unmatched sets will run ok together, but there are plenty of instances where two sets of the same part number, or two entirely different sets that both have identical specs, will not run in dual or quad channel operation and in some cases won't play nice together at all. Not sure that taking that chance is worth the risk that they don't agree, just to save a few dollars.

If you happen to get two sets that don't work well together, and this can present itself in a variety of different ways such as just not being recognized, lack of proper channel operation, won't run at advertised speeds or won't run at advertised speeds without significant voltage increase, or just a lot of random glitches that you can't quite identify the source, that few dollars you saved might turn into shipping costs to return sets or RMA modules, and the expense of a terrible headache trying to figure out why.
 
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Tweed

Tweed

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What do you mean by running four modules?
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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4x8GB is four modules. Each stick of RAM is called a module. RAM=Memory module.
 
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Tweed

Tweed

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I see thank you for the clarification. Ok I think I will go with the full kit (aka four modules). Another question if you could help me is 3000 CAS 14 or 3200 CAS 15?
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/gskill-memory-f43000c14q32gtz,gskill-memory-f43200c14q32gtz,gskill-memory-f43200c15q32gtz/
Looking to getting 32GB and going with G.Skill Trident Z series.
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Then you should easily be able to run 3200mhz or higher DDR4. I think I may have confused you earlier too. What I meant is that if you want 16GB, you want to get ALL 16GB in one set, whether that's two modules at 2x8GB or four modules at 4x4GB. However, it's always less stressful on the memory controller to use fewer modules, so if you can get the desired amount of total memory using a pair of matched modules that came together in a set, that's always better than four modules that came together in a set. For 32GB, 2x16GB would be the better option.

The exception to this would be on X99/2011-3 configurations that support quad channel operation. In those cases, where quad channel is supported, you'd want to go with four modules as the memory bandwidth would be quadrupled. Skylake and the Z170 chipset do not support quad channel operation, only dual channel, so for that platform using only two modules is probably preferred unless you need more than 32GB.

For your intended CPU and motherboard, this would probably be the sweet spot if you REALLY think you need 32GB. I run pretty high end applications along with a lot of multi-tasking, and rarely if ever see the system come close to using all of my 16GB. If gaming is your primary intent, 16GB is easily more than enough. But if you feel you must have 16GB, then maybe this is the right kit for you:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $179.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-06 03:43 EDT-0400


But for a slightly larger investment, these have two points lower latency and better timings, which means they're somewhat faster and may be more stable at any given voltage.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($204.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $204.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-06 03:45 EDT-0400




 
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