Question RAM modules for Intel Core i9-10850K

jnxzi94

Commendable
Jul 13, 2021
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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
 

jnxzi94

Commendable
Jul 13, 2021
163
26
1,620
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.
 
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.