4 x 8GB or 2 x 16GB 3600mhz with 5.1ghz 8700k

[inquirer_101]

So I'm just getting the last few parts for my new gaming rig. The 8700k is delidded and speed binned to 5.1ghz and will be under a custom loop (EK-KIT P360) so i'm keen to see if i can push it any further. My motherboard will most likely be the Asus Maximus X Hero, which is a 4 Dimm board. I also want to use G Skill RGB memory because it is Asus Aurasync compatible (sad but true!) I intend to get 32GB of 3600mhz DDR4 because i think that probably gives a good balance between speed and stability!?

Now I've read in a previous post here: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-3112939/4x8gb-2x16gb-ram.html that if possible it is better to run 2 Dimms is better than 4 dimms as it "running two sticks of DRAM puts less stress on the memory controller than four. Less electricity is needed, the memory controller needs less voltage to remain stable and, while it isn’t noticeable, the DRAM runs ever so slightly quicker (generally)." So in theory i should go with 2x16gb? However this seems to be contra to what G skill has on offer as there 4 x 8gb kits are CL16, and there 2x 16gb kits are CL17 as shown here: https://pricespy.co.uk/#rparams=ss=g%20skill%20rgb%203600%2032

So can anyone tell me why there is the discrepancy is CAS timings between 2x16 and 4x8? Is it a G Skill thing or is it harder to get tighter timings on higher capacity dimms?

Also is 3600mhz a reasonable speed to expect with this processor overclock? I'm not looking to overclock the memory much, probably just run it at XMP but try and get it to CL16 if its not already!

Any advice appreciated,

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[Kasper Jorgensen]

Always go for the 2 stick over 4 stick kit. Runs more stable and not all mobos can run the RAM at those high speeds when using 4 sticks.

 

[inquirer_101]

But if it's a more stable why do G skill only do offer 2x16gb in CL17 and not CL16 like they do with the 4x8gb kits?

 

[Kasper Jorgensen]

But if it's a more stable why do G skill only do offer 2x16gb in CL17 and not CL16 like they do with the 4x8gb kits?

One thing is what speed and latency, RAM manufactures are testing their RAM to run at. Another thing is what motherboards support.