Question Single 8gb or dual 4gb sticks?

[Laura_39]

Hi guys,
I just bought an HP Elite Convertible Mini Tower from Craigslist to play around with. It didn't come with any ram, and upon doing research, it seems that this system can go up to 32gb (PC3-12800 1600MHz). I could get a used single 8gb stick for cheap on E-bay, but was wondering if it was better to just get dual 4 or 8 GB sticks instead, something like these:
https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-16gb-240-pin-ddr3-sdram/p/N82E16820231637 or

Lot 2 Nanya 4GB PC3-12800U 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM Desktop Memory NT4GC64B88B1NF-DI 600889135048 | eBay

Manufacturer Nanya. Speed 1600MHz. Type DDR3 SDRAM. Otherwise, an unpaid item case will automatically be opened. Varies by location.

www.ebay.com

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-8G...sh=item3b3cc4014a:g:J10AAOSwxSldZoOc&LH_BIN=1
Please note that I don't want to spend a whole lot on this system, but will add a low profile video card in the near future.

 

[tennis2]

Two sticks is better because it would run in dual channel mode.

Have you tried looking at your local e-waste recycling center? I've gotten 2x4GB DDR3 from mine for $13.

 

[Laura_39]

Two sticks is better because it would run in dual channel mode.

Have you tried looking at your local e-waste recycling center? I've gotten 2x4GB DDR3 from mine for $13.

Gonna have to check out my local e-waste center, should be able to get two sticks super cheap, should I go with 2x4gb or 8x8gb for a light gaming/htpc type system?

 

[tennis2]

2x8GB is plenty for gaming.

 

[Mezoxin]

some games do benefit greatly from dual channel for my setup sometimes up to 20 FPS difference , but that margin decreases with less powerful systems ,