Does it matter if i use more RAM sticks for same capacity?

[rasmusrosenqvist30]

So right now I'm planning out my next PC build, and I started wondering, does it matter if I use 4x 4 GB 3200 MHz RAM sticks over 2x 8 GB 3200 MHz RAM sticks?
The motherboard it's going to be used on is the Asus maximus X Code with a Intel I5-8600k.

 

[DRagor]

Nope. But is more easy to use 2x8. Less strain over motherboard, and if something goes wrong, you can still use full RAM even if half of the motherboard slots goes to hell (it happens). Performance wise 4x4 and 2x8 is exactly same on 8th gen CPU.

 

[topheron]

I agree with the above poster.

The answer SHOULD be nope.

The answer might be... it can be complicated.

When you buy a matched set of identical ram, that has it's part number on the recommended ram list available from your motherboard, you should be able to use either 2 or 4 sticks, no difference in performance.

What you should beware is:

Some or all of the ram isn't listed in the manufacturer's list of ram that has been tested. (It should work anyway, but might not).

The ram is from different kits. (It should work, but might not).

Update the bios on your motherboard as soon as you can, and run memtest for at least several hours before installing an operating system to be sure.

 

[cryoburner]

Also, it's worth pointing out that if you go the route of using 2 sticks in a motherboard with 4 slots, you'll have the other pair of slots free in case you decide to add more RAM to the system later on. If, on the other hand, all your slots are full, you would need to replace some of your existing RAM when adding more.

 

[DRagor]

Also, it's worth pointing out that if you go the route of using 2 sticks in a motherboard with 4 slots, you'll have the other pair of slots free in case you decide to add more RAM to the system later on. If, on the other hand, all your slots are full, you would need to replace some of your existing RAM when adding more.

True, but considering that mixing ram kits does not work in predictable way, usually it's safer to sell old ram and buy new bigger one anyway.