Is it better to have a single 16 GB module or two 8 GB modules for RAM?

[Genralkidd]

My PC currently has 2x4GB Patriot 2400Mhz DDR4 modules. I'm thinking of upgrading this PC to have 16 GB RAM since a lot of games and tasks recently have been maxing out the RAM.

Is it better to have a single 16 GB module of RAM or two 8 GB modules of RAM? Both options would cost me the same $85 on newegg for the G.SKILL Aegis brand.

I suppose if I went with the single 16 GB module, I could combine it with one of the 4 GB modules for a total of 20 GB of RAM in that case. Both modules would be the same speed so that shouldn't cause any issues right?

And finally, for the same $85 and G.SKILL Aegis brand, they also have a faster 2666 MHz module which I know I can't mix with the older 2400 Mhz modules without losing performance. Would I see much if any performance difference between 2400 MHz and 2666 MHz RAM if I went that route as well?

 

[clutchc]

A single stick of RAM will limit you to single channel speed which is about a ±10% hit in performance.
On the other hand, if you want to upgrade in the future to 32GB, the single 16GB will save you money later. But it is always best (for stability) to buy both sticks as a matched pair when using faster dual channel mode.

 

[Genralkidd]

A single stick of RAM will limit you to single channel speed which is about a ±10% hit in performance.
On the other hand, if you want to upgrade in the future to 32GB, the single 16GB will save you money later. But it is always best (for stability) to buy both sticks as a matched pair when using faster dual channel mode.

I'll probably go with the 16 GB 2400 MHz stick for now then so that it'll have the same frequency as the 4 GB stick. There shouldn't be any issues with two sticks of RAM with different capacities but same type and frequencies right? And I won't lose any noticeable performance going with the 2400 MHz over the 2666 MHz right?

 

[navinraj5583]

Although both 16bg and 4gb might have the same frequency, it has 50/50 chance to work concurrently to give u best performance as there are other factors involved. I agree with what clutchc said.

Also, getting a kit is safer compared to single 16gb stick. In the event one 8gb stick dies, there's the other stick as back up. Or u could just get 2 16gb stick of the same, for stability and performance and keep your 2x4gb sticks as backup for the backups

 

[clutchc]

A single stick of RAM will limit you to single channel speed which is about a ±10% hit in performance.
On the other hand, if you want to upgrade in the future to 32GB, the single 16GB will save you money later. But it is always best (for stability) to buy both sticks as a matched pair when using faster dual channel mode.

I'll probably go with the 16 GB 2400 MHz stick for now then so that it'll have the same frequency as the 4 GB stick. There shouldn't be any issues with two sticks of RAM with different capacities but same type and frequencies right? And I won't lose any noticeable performance going with the 2400 MHz over the 2666 MHz right?

That's another decision you'll have to weigh... the clock speed rating on the RAM stick isn't how fast they will operate at, it is how fast they are guaranteed to operate at. 2400MHz RAM can be made to run faster (with the possibility of less stability) if you decide to match it with a faster 2nd stick. But left at default, the RAM speed will likely be that of the slower stick. And yes, you won't see any noticeable performance difference going from 2400MHz to 2666MHz. Again tho, mixing unmatched sticks can be a stability issue, more so if you try to OC the RAM.

The better option would be to save a bit more and buy a matched pair of (3000MHz?) sticks. There is a noticeable difference going from 2400MHz to 3000MHz.
Otherwise, get a 2666-3000MHz stick, try it with the 2400MHz stick and see if it is stable at 3000MHz. If not, remove the 8GB stick and live with 16GB at single channel mode until you can afford another.