Question RAM modules for Intel Core i9-10850K

[jnxzi94]

Hi!

I'm looking forward to upgrade RAM from 16 GB to 32 GB.
I was wondering if I should get 2 sticks or 4 sticks with this CPU.

Which is better and why?

• 2 x 16 GB 3600 MHz CL18 DDR4
• 4 x 8 GB 4000 MHz CL18 DDR4

I've read some random info about 4 sticks being worse than 2 sticks, that they would do better performance wise but I'm not really sure about it.
I will go with the kit that offers the best performance anyways.

CPU: i9-10850K
MB: MSI Z490-A PRO

 

[falcon291]

2 sticks are recommended, and it is written in your board's manual, which slots are to be used.
But 4000 Mhz would be faster. Are these 4 RAMs sold as a package or you will buy 2 8x2 GB RAM?

 

[Nighthawk117]

I believe those 16GB modules will be dual rank and the 8GB modules will be single rank. In that case it should make no difference, the latter being faster due to the higher frequency.

 

[falcon291]

Yes but all RAMs installed must be the same. And there is a small chance if the RAMs are not from the same package, they may not be same.

Most possibly it is not the case, but still there is a risk.

 

[Nighthawk117]

Yes I agree there, I have two separate kits with my 10850K actually and not had an issue but there is that risk.

 

[jnxzi94]

2 sticks are recommended, and it is written in your board's manual, which slots are to be used.
But 4000 Mhz would be faster. Are these 4 RAMs sold as a package or you will buy 2 8x2 GB RAM?

If I'm getting that 4000 MHz set, so basically 4 RAM modules would be a package of 2 kits (2 x 8 GB) and that would be 32 GB RAM in total.

 

[Nighthawk117]

If I'm getting that 4000 MHz set, so basically 4 RAM modules would be a package of 2 kits (2 x 8 GB) and that would be 32 GB RAM in total.

Chances are it would work fine, but it's not guaranteed to that's all.

 

[jnxzi94]

So basically it doesn't really matter, just go with one kit that has all the modules in the same package and they are as speedy as possible... meaning 16 GB x 2 set.

 

[Zerk2012]

If I'm getting that 4000 MHz set, so basically 4 RAM modules would be a package of 2 kits (2 x 8 GB) and that would be 32 GB RAM in total.

No No No getting 2 kits makes it less likely to work.
Get a matched set of whatever, with that processor memory speed is less important, get a 2X16GB set of 3600 with 16 cas.

 

[jnxzi94]

No No No getting 2 kits makes it less likely to work.
Get a matched set of whatever, with that processor memory speed is less important, get a 2X16GB set of 3600 with 16 cas.

Alright.
I will search for a 2 x 16 GB kit 3600 MHz CL16.

 

[Nighthawk117]

I've never had separate kits not work but your more likely to have trouble at 4000Mhz. Single kits are preferable, however 3600Mhz is a more friendly speed.

 

[geofelt]

Alright.
I will search for a 2 x 16 GB kit 3600 MHz CL16.

I think that is the better path.
4 stick kits will usually cost more because of the extra factory matching.
It is harder for a motherboard to manage 4 sticks vs. two.
cl16 is good, but, you may find a much better price with cl18.
Real app performance is not much impacted by ram speeds.
So, once you get the capacity you want, look at the pricing.