2 x 8gb or 4 x 4gb ram

[Jab501]

Hi
I am doing a partial nu-build just reusing the case, Graphics + ram, and this is what I need help with, I have 2x 4gb DDR3, should I consider 2x 8gb or is their no diff with me just putting an extra 2x 4gb DDR3. to get 16gb total
I used to know the answer but it's totally gone out of my memory, please excuse the pun.
Thanks in advance
john

 

[WyomingKnott]

Depends on two things. One is the motherboard; does it support both configurations? Mine, for example, will support 4x4 but not 2x8.

The second is that memory tends to clock faster 2x8 than 4x4, especially if the 4x4 was not purchased as a single matched kit. There really is some testing work behind selecting the modules that go into those kits.

However, it is my personal opinion, not gospel truth but my opinion, that the differences between 2x8 and matched 4x4 will be so small that only a benchmark fiend will notice. The difference between two different 2x4 kits combined into 4x4 might be noticeable under heavy loads running long applications.

Anyone out there with experience to contradict me, showing a real practical effect of degradation from 2x8 to 4x4 matched to 4x4 unmatched? I'd be happy to learn something new.

 

[dwatterworth]

I have had experiences in adding in an unmatched kit to an existing computer caused instability, even though the two kits were of the same manufacturer, model # etc.

I tend to think, depending on platform and capacity limits etc, that the less sticks the better. There are known issues with higher clocked / higher voltage memory kits becoming more unstable on Haswell with it's integrated controller as the number of sticks increases.

There's also an argument to be made of less power consumption/less heat density/better ventilation across dimms, but that is more a consideration for a setup getting pushed consistently under heavy loading.

Chances are the 2x4 kit with an additional kit will work without a hitch. If there are issues and the adjustments are available, loosening timings to match the lowest / slowest part is often the fix.

 

[Jab501]

[Thanks for your quick reply, I have some thinking to do

 

[dwatterworth]

Good luck, let us know if you have more questions!