Dell G7 - Possible to leave 1 RAM slot empty?

Hi, folks.

(Feeling much older these days) guy here who has been away from Windows PC upgrades for several years; asking for confirmation before I buy RAM for my little nephew. Nephew has a Dell G7 15” 7588 laptop that needs an upgrade from 8 GB RAM (2 x 4 GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM modules installed).

RAM & SSD Upgrades | Dell Dell G7 7588 | Crucial.com

The system can max out at 32GB RAM. I’m considering buying 1 x 16 GB module instead of 2 x 16 GB modules (to max out his system). If so, ...
1. Will the system work with 1 x 16 GB module + 1 x 4 GB module?
2. Will the system work if I install 1 x 16 GB module and leave the other bay empty?

As always, your input is much appreciated!

Berton said:

Yes, it should work but I'd leave out the 4GB, 16GB is plenty and eliminates any possible mismatch. I got a new ASUS machine about 3 years ago and it came with 1 x 8GB module single-channel but the only update I've done is to 2 x 8GB modules and in the process the BIOS changed to dual-channel, a little speedier. Frequently 2 x 8GB modules will be within a few cents of the cost of a 16GB module.

Thanks, Berton. To be clear, though, the system will likely function with 1 x 16 GB module while leaving the 2nd memory bay empty?

Why do you think it needs upgraded from 8 GB? Does the lesson have a mechanical HDD now or an SSD?

NavyLCDR said:

Why do you think it needs upgraded from 8 GB? Does the lesson have a mechanical HDD now or an SSD?

I have 2 nephews - each with the same G7 laptops, but one had less RAM (8 GB). The other nephew has 16 GB and was getting much better performance in Grand Theft Auto Online. We made sure all setting matched exactly and shut down all unnecessary startup programs. Anyway, long story short ... Christmas came early with 32 GB of RAM for each machine, and one nephew is enjoying the same smooth gameplay now that his brother has been enjoying. :)

Thanks for your help, guys.