Should I buy Matched Pairs or Individual Sticks?

[Michael Alexander]

I am running 64-bit Win7 Pro (SP1). The motherboard is an ASUS B-85 PLUS, 4 slots (2 banks of 2). I want to max out at 32GB.

I've read of the importance of installing "paired" or "matched" sticks. I see that there are two different ways that I can buy 32GB - either 4 individual 8GB sticks, or two 16GB "kits" (2x8GB).

Is there any fundamental difference, and if so, is there an advantage one way or the other?

If it matters, I'm considering going with the Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 MHz PC3 12800.

 

[Tradesman1]

For 32GB, buy a single 4 stick set, so you don't run into problems, sticks in a set are tested to work together, could get 2 2x8GB sets and they might not want to play...You might pull 10 sticks right off the assembly line and only find 4 or the ten that all play nice together

 

[mf Red]

If they're running at 1600Mhz you shouldn't have any issues. The matched pairs are recommended for when you are overclocking as they are rated only to work with each other at that speed(1866+). So if you buy a 16GB kit at 1866Mhz they won't necessarily work with another pair of 1866Mhz RAM.

 

[Tradesman1]

SIngle sets are always recommended, DRAM manufactures don't guarantee mixed sets, even if two of the same exact model

 

[Michael Alexander]

Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for - an opinion based on experience, since I have neither.

One more follow-on question, if I may: Since I'll be buying four individual sticks, should I order them directly from Corsair, or should an Amazon store be just as reliable? I realize that you may have to dust off your crystal ball for this one.

 

[Tradesman1]

I'd go through Newegg, but Amazon may be priced well also

 

[Michael Alexander]

I'd go through Newegg, but Amazon may be priced well also

Thanx... Amazon is priced a bit better, but I was mostly concerned about getting DIMMs from the same "batch." I'll just pull the trigger and hope for the best... Corsair has a lifetime guarantee, and although I've never had to return anything (yet), they say Amazon does have a really good return policy. X=

 

[Tradesman1]

Let us know how it goes