Ok putting a new build together and I'm thinking 32 gigs 3200. In general provided the compatibility is there what dual channel advantages in filling all dimm slots compared to using 2x16's instead.
I know about how Ryzen chips can be picky so a good board with the latest bios & good memory pays off.
I'd go with 2 x 16GB to "future-proof" against the need for additional RAM. The only time I fill all slots is to get the maximum the board supports.
The first thing you will look at is the RAM QVL list showing you tested for their speed rating by the manufactuer, then choose what you need, I chose the Patriot Viper 2 X 16GB because their timings are 16.16.16 as all the others which start with 14 go as Follows 14.17.18 which is alot slower & the Patriot Ram timings are set at 15.15.15 default on my mobo.
I have a link which explains how when you add an extra 2 sticks to make 4 you are only adding GB to each channel since it is 2 channel Ryzen & with the modern boards you can gain improvement from it.
That video is not really that informative as seems like an opinion not theoretical proof to using 4 sticks as he is just scarmongering about 4 sticks over 2.
4 Sticks Info:
Are More RAM Modules Better for Gaming? 4 x 4GB vs. 2 x 8GB - TechSpot
Ram Stick Speed Matter:
YouTube
If you are planning on overclocking the memory, then whether 2 or 4 sticks of memory are better depends on the motherboard memory topology. You would need to research the motherboard. If you are not overclocking (I include XMP as not overclocking, though technically it is), then it is a no brainer - 2x16 for future expansion.
So when I add the extra 2 sticks of of ram to my motherboard to make 50% of its max which is 128GB, I should be overclocking ?
Modern cpu's that have come out which work well with 4 sticks of ram should give you lower processer percentage usage (the bench marks have proved a gain with Ryzen cpu's). buy you wont see the difference unless you do video editing & other memory intensive applications.
As far as I remember gaming rigs should be set to half max memory weather it be 2 or 4 sticks
As for overclocking ? don't they just use 1 stick of ram !
HI,
It really does not matter at 3200mhz except go for 3200c14
Cost between 2x16 and 4x8gb is about the same.
As far as adding more later it's best to use kits and not all 2x16 kits are the same even from the same manufacture seeing they may use different memory chips in the same set later on corsair is famous for this.
So adding 2x16 more later on comes with unknown issues best to buy 4x whatever.
Well I went with 32 gigs (2x16) G skill flare x 3200.
Went into bios first thing (after M-flash*) and set profile 1 xmp, all is well.
* MSI boards with this option have a button next to lower usb 2.0 for update which can be done pre build. Can be done without cpu just need power.
Hi,
Yeah like that flash back button
2x16 good choice
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