RAM configuration

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aucklander

478 posts

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#300547 16-Sep-2022 22:05

Hi there,

I have 1x 16GB installed, seriously thinking to get 2x 8GB instead (and sell the 1x 16GB), see the screenshot below,would you say this is a good move?

what is the story with 2666 and showing 1333 in the brackets? Does it say the RAM could work at 2666 but it is only used at 1333 maybe because it is by itself?

Many thanks.

k1w1k1d

1711 posts

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#2969346 16-Sep-2022 22:45

DDR means Double Data Rate, so the bandwidth is always twice the frequency. 2666 = 2x1333.

A matched RAM pair running dual channel will be better than a single stick of the total capacity, but whether you will notice any difference is open to debate. Probably depends on what your application is, eg gaming, CAD, video, or business type applications. Have seen reports that it takes some load off the ECU.

Might be a case of suck it and see.

aucklander

478 posts

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#2969615 18-Sep-2022 09:19

Thanks,

clearly two sticks would perform better than one of same capacity, I agree.

Does this apply one step further, like having 4x4GB performing better than 2x8GB, which is better than 1x 16GB ?

I see I can get 4x4GB for same price as 2x8GB, very similar performance (speed & latency). Only draw back is the difficulty in future upgrade if ever needed - what do you replace then? Keep one channel 2x4GB and upgrade the other one at 2x 8GB?

Secondly - say the 2x8GB sticks are not "matched" (I know it is not ideal). What if they have different timings - the numbers like 16-20-20-38 and the other one would be say 15-15-15-36? Does this matter much? Ideally they would be matched - but is it critical if they are not? Even more,what if you use 4x4GB with different brand and timings between the different modules? Does the CPU try to find a "common denominator" for the timings same as it does for the speed?

timmmay

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#2969618 18-Sep-2022 09:47

Theoretically the more sticks you have the high the bandwidth, but depending what you do with your computer I doubt you'd notice any difference other than in some benchmarks. More RAM is generally better than less fast RAM. If you need more RAM, buy it, otherwise I'd leave good enough alone.

K8Toledo

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#2969619 18-Sep-2022 09:56

timmmay:

Theoretically the more sticks you have the high the bandwidth, but depending what you do with your computer I doubt you'd notice any difference other than in some benchmarks. More RAM is generally better than less fast RAM. If you need more RAM, buy it, otherwise I'd leave good enough alone.

I think you mean more channels increase bandwidth - not more sticks. :)

In dual/triple channel mode the memory controller can perform read & write operations simultaneously.