RAM upgrade questions

[_Angelo_]

Hi! I currently have 2x4gb DDR4 2800 installed, and I am planning to upgrade. My question is should I buy another set of the 2x4 I have to make it 4x4gb for the 16 gigs or go for a 2x8gb ddr4 set, which would be almost double the price? I am asking this due to the fact that I have heard that 2x8 is better. Many thanks!

 

[feelinfroggy777]

RAM can be finicky. Mixing and matching RAM, even of the same model does not always work. But that does not mean it wont work. I suggest trying to match the RAM you have and get 2x4gb sticks. Make sure you get it from a vendor with a decent return policy. Try it out and see if your system boots. If it does, you good, if not then return the sticks and get a 2x8gb kit.

Generally it is best to run 2 sticks of RAM in a dual channel board. It is cheaper and puts less stress on the memory controller. But it is fine to run 4 sticks.

 

[_Angelo_]

Thank you! But would you consider it more efficient, future proofing wise, to get 2x8gb in case I ever decide or need to get 32 GB of ram?

 

[feelinfroggy777]

By the time you need 32gb of system RAM, you are going to need a new platform because your current system will be getting pretty old. 16gb is enough for the life of your system. There are only a few workstation application that 32gb or more of RAM will benefit. Any additional RAM in your system will just sit idle doing nothing.