Do I really need a "Kit" for dual channel config?

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raotor

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Nov 3, 2007
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Hello,

Is a memory "Kit" still necessary for a dual channel setup? I recall that in
the past that several memory manufacturers were very specific about
"matched" pairs of sticks and I even used a set of Corsair DDR2 sticks back
in the day with a "Twinx" logo emblazed on the memory as I seem to recall.

However, I am wondering if having such "matched" pairs of sticks is quite
necessary today. A lot of people will want to add a stick of memory at a
later date to spread the cost of memory out or just upgrade as necessary
later on. So, if I were to purchase exactly the same make and model and
capacity of stick as occupies the first slot on my motherboard, would that
do?
 
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When it comes to computers I prefer to keep things...
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JamesSneed

JamesSneed

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It never was necessary to have dual, tri or quad matched sets of RAM. All the RAM vendor is doing is certifying that the sticks of memory work at the rated speeds and settings when using 2, 3, or 4 sticks of memory. Having a certified / tested set is nice so you don't have to tweak the settings like CAS timings manually.
 
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Dunlop0078

Dunlop0078

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It is still recommended you buy your memory in kits, yes. In your situation I would guess that would be fine, the problem with mixing and matching memory even of the same make and model is that the IC's can be different. Even ram of the same make and model if it was made at a different time may have different IC's than previous yields. Ram that was packaged together is guaranteed to work together and have the same IC's likely with the same or similar speed and timings potential.
 
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raotor

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So, does that mean that I will have to play with timings if I buy a second identical stick or that I just might have to?
 
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Dunlop0078

Dunlop0078

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You shouldn't have to touch timing or speed at all if its the same memory with the same XMP profile, just enable XMP and they should run at their advertised speeds. If they are using different IC's, say one stick is somethingfrom sk hynix and the other something from samsung you may have issues, to the point were they wont work together at all or it will require reducing the speed and timings manually.
 
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JamesSneed

JamesSneed

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That inst always the case. If you run run 4 sticks and buy singles to populate the 4 RAM slots you often will be loosening up CAS timings above the XMP profile.

Anyhow if this is not just theory, I would buy whatever you think you will ever need up front as a kit and use memory that is on your motherboards QVL list. You do that and you wont have to worry about anything.


 
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aquielisunari

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When it comes to computers I prefer to keep things simple. The normal amount of RAM for a PC these days is 16GB. Those on a strict er tight budget opt for 8GB. Have members here answered questions about identical RAM not cooperating? I have on multiple occasions. That means it is possible to have identical sticks but no cooperation. Is it probable? No. That's where the KISS principle enters(stage left). Because I know adding RAM can have its problems I will be purchasing a 16GB kit when I upgrade my PC. I will then save my 8GB kit(2 x 4GB) for troubleshooting. I will be investing about $1500 when I upgrade. Will saving $50 or so really be helping anything? Not imo. I'd rather follow the manufacturer's directions and install two modules so they run in dual channel mode. There's not going to be too much(negligible) of a difference in gaming. In other areas such as productivity or benchmarks the user will notice a difference. The extra money invested has more than a monetary value. It offers peace of mind. Keep things simple.
 
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