Adding 2x4GB Ram to a current 1x4GB setup

[Espee]

I have a desktop with a dual-channel capable motherboard. Currently i have a single 4GB 1600MHz stick in it. I want to add a dual channel set of 2x4GB 1600MHz ram to it. The sticks are of the same brand and voltages/timings are the same.

All I want to know is how this will impact performance as one stick is running single channel and the other two (new ones) will be running dual channel. Is this a good move or should I just install the dual channel 2X4GB and remove the single channel one?

 

[Saif Uv]

It would be better if you buy one more 4gb stick and go 4x4 gig . i.e 4 gb stick in each slot .

 

[Computer Blackwidow]

Yes, you should remove the single channel one and install the dual channel kit. Dual channel kit doubles the original memory bandwidth of RAM. It is much more beneficial then the single channel one. Second thing, 8 GB is always better than 4 GB. There wll be a lot performance difference between this two. You also can overclock it. I will recommend to get the Dual channel kit. also get one from Corsair and Gskill as these are the best manufacturers of RAMs. Get minimum 1600 MHz RAM. It is far more better than 1333 MHz. Good Luck.
CB

 

[Computer Blackwidow]

It would be better if you buy one more 4gb stick and go 4x4 gig . i.e 4 gb stick in each slot .

No, To enable the Dual channel memory mode you need ALMOST same RAM must have contain the same chips and memory bus. If you get another one then it will make more problems. Mixing of RAMs creates problems. Even not the two dual channel kit in 4 slot. If you want to fill all Four slot then you will need a Quad channel kit.
CB

 

[Espee]

Thanks for the answers. I think I will just install the new 2X4GB sticks and remove the existing 1X4GB stick completely. My motherboard is dual channel so I presume it's better for dual channel sticks to be run on it. It just seems a waste to throw away the current stick as it's the same stick as the 2X4GB sticks, but it's just a single one. Ram is weird...

Is a dual channel motherboard made to run 2 set of dual channel sticks ( 2 x (2X4GB) ) or is it better for a quad setup ( 1 x (4X4GB) )?

 

[Computer Blackwidow]

If you put two dual channel kits then it will also create problems. And even if you add quad channel kit, gpu will not get any more performance, you will get as same as dial channel. To get Benifit of quad channel then you will need a quaff channel supported mobo. Honestly saying, 8 GB is enough for gaming and little more use.
CB