Question Should I get 4 x 16GB sticks or 2 x 32GB sticks ?

[WrongRookie]

I am thinking about upgrading to 64 GB ram but I don't know whether to get either 4 x 16GB sticks or 2 x 32GB sticks. Any advice on which option to go for interms of just making the PC last longer and making the CPU have less stress?

Specs:

Intel i5 13600k
Ram : 32 GB Ripjaws V
GPU : Nvidia RTX 2060 6GB
Motherboard : MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 (MS- 7D41)
OS : Windows 11 Pro
Drives: Kingston A2000 1TB
Crucial MX500 2TB
Crucial MX500 4TB
Samsung 870 Evo 2TB

The Cooler i'm using is Deepcool AK620. Would appreciate it if you can mention ram sticks that have the clearance as the ones I'm using is Ripjaws V

 

[Darkbreeze]

You would be much better to go with 2 x32GB than 4 x16GB, both in terms of how much power those DIMMs will use by comparison AND ALSO by reducing the amount of electrical stress on the memory controller by running only two DIMMs rather than four.

Just make sure you buy memory that has been fully validated for the motherboard you are using. That means verifying that against either the motherboard QVL list OR verifying it on one of the memory manufacturer's compatibility lists which are far more accurate but only a few memory manufacturers have them. Those are Corsair, G.Skill and Crucial. Corsair memory finder. G.Skill memory configurator. Crucial memory advisor.

Personally, I'd recommend G.Skill. Get a fairly low latency Ripjaws or Trident-Z kit that shows compatible for your motherboard and that will be pretty hard to beat regardless of what else you look at. And generally speaking, probably a lot cheaper than anybody else's "premium" offerings.

 

[WrongRookie]

Ok so I can just get this g.skill Ripjaws V but just 2*32 since my motherboard seems to support this ram brand even though it's not there on the motherboard list and in terms of compatability there are no issues whatso ever?

Edit : I would also like to understand something. If you are recommending 2*32 instead, the. Why do most people use all the dimm slots that don't max out at 128 GB ram?

 

[CountMike]

Ok so I can just get this g.skill Ripjaws V but just 2*32 since my motherboard seems to support this ram brand even though it's not there on the motherboard list and in terms of compatability there are no issues whatso ever?

Edit : I would also like to understand something. If you are recommending 2*32 instead, the. Why do most people use all the dimm slots that don't max out at 128 GB ram?

In most cases using consumer grade CPUs/systems, Integrated memory controller gets overwhelmed when both channels are used and limits frequency so it's better to have only one IMC channel (2 sticks) used.
With your setup, 3000-3200MHz RAM shouldn't be problem either way but 4 sticks would't be any better or worse.

 

[WrongRookie]

In most cases using consumer grade CPUs/systems, Integrated memory controller gets overwhelmed when both channels are used and limits frequency so it's better to have only one IMC channel (2 sticks) used.
With your setup, 3000-3200MHz RAM shouldn't be problem either way but 4 sticks would't be any better or worse.

So what happens if you max it at 128 GB? Would that just...get overwhelmed by adding all sticks?

 

[CountMike]

So what happens if you max it at 128 GB? Would that just...get overwhelmed by adding all sticks?

That doesn't matter, 4*4GB or 4*32GB.

 

[WrongRookie]

@CountMike

Hello. Very sorry to disturb you but would my build support ram of 3600MHZ or is it best to get 3200 MHZ?

 

[CountMike]

@CountMike

Hello. Very sorry to disturb you but would my build support ram of 3600MHZ or is it best to get 3200 MHZ?

Yes it should but wouldn't improve much.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Actually your board will support up to 5333 MT/s or even higher, depending on how many DIMMs are installed and whether they are single or dual rank DIMMs. Honestly though, for this configuration, I wouldn't go with anything over 4000 MT/s and 3600 MT/s would be just fine. If you go with a 3200 MT/s kit I'd try to make sure to get one with a CL14 or CL16 latency even though it's going to cost more. In truth your best bet on this system is likely some flavor of 3600 MT/s CL16 or CL18 kit. I'd recommend looking only at kits by G.Skill, Corsair, Mushkin or Crucial. These are your more reputable, long established companies.

Other companies undoubtedly have some worthy products as well, but it tends to be more of a roll of the dice when buying lesser known brands unless you have at least one or two professional reviews to aid in the decision.

 

[WrongRookie]

Actually your board will support up to 5333 MT/s or even higher, depending on how many DIMMs are installed and whether they are single or dual rank DIMMs. Honestly though, for this configuration, I wouldn't go with anything over 4000 MT/s and 3600 MT/s would be just fine. If you go with a 3200 MT/s kit I'd try to make sure to get one with a CL14 or CL16 latency even though it's going to cost more. In truth your best bet on this system is likely some flavor of 3600 MT/s CL16 or CL18 kit. I'd recommend looking only at kits by G.Skill, Corsair, Mushkin or Crucial. These are your more reputable, long established companies.

Other companies undoubtedly have some worthy products as well, but it tends to be more of a roll of the dice when buying lesser known brands unless you have at least one or two professional reviews to aid in the decision.

Yeah thanks Darkbreeze I got G.skill Ripjaws V with cl18 3600 MHz.

For a minute there I got scared because Intel said that 13600k only supports upto 3200 MHz but after seeing some videos recommending 64gb at 3600 MHz especially tech deals, yeah I'm not as worried as such.

 

[Darkbreeze]

That is what it supports "Natively". Meaning, JEDEC specifications. Meaning, "stock", and "stock by default". BUT, what it ACTUALLY supports, is ALWAYS clearly outlined on the motherboard product support page if you click on specs and look on the memory listing.

And even that isn't what it will ACTUALLY support, because almost every memory kit out there can support either a faster frequency or tighter timings, or both, if it's decent aftermarket memory with heatsinks. But sticking to XMP, D.O.C.P, AMP or EXPO profiles is usually the better decision because there are few gains to be had with any kit beyond those configurations. Some, but worth the effort and the extra electrical stress? IDK. Prolly not for most people.