RAM Suggestions Single or Dual

[jacobhaycox13]

I am building a PC but with the prices of DDR4 Ram should I get a 8GB stick now then wait for prices to fall before getting a second stick, or should I get a 2x4GB kit?

 

[gskill support]

Just get 2 x 8GB now so you can have a matched set and get it over with. Even if prices go down, you save $20, but then the new module doesn't work well with the existing one, it can be more hassle and not worth the couple dollar savings.

 

[geofelt]

If you can, buy your 2 x 8gb kit up front.
Adding ram is not guaranteed to work.
Ram is sold in kits for a reason.
A motherboard must manage all the ram using the same specs of voltage, cas and speed.
The internal workings are designed for the capacity of the kit.
Ram from the same vendor and part number can be made up of differing manufacturing components over time.
Some motherboards, can be very sensitive to this.

If your budget will not permit 16gb up front, I suggest you buy a 2 x 4gb kit.
It will operate in faster dual channel mode.
You may find that 8gb is entirely sufficient.
If, in the future you need more,
buy a 2 x 8gb kit that matches your current specs.
Then, try adding in your old 8gb,
If it works, good; you now have extra ram.
If not, sell the old ram or keep it as a spare.