Hey everyone! I'm considering upgrading my RAM from 16GB to 24GB, but I'm a bit concerned about the implications of losing dual-channel support if I go with a 3x8GB setup. My rig is mainly for gaming, and I've noticed some performance hits lately due to high disk access, especially with my pagefile. I've got an i9-9900K, a Samsung 980 SSD, an RTX3080, and I'm running a 3440x1440 ultra-wide monitor. Any thoughts on whether upgrading to 24GB is going to help or hurt my performance? Also, I'd love to get to 32GB eventually but clearance issues with my AIO cooler make it tough to add a fourth stick right now. Thanks in advance for your insights!
4 Answers
Honestly, 24GB might not be enough for your current setup. I'm regularly hitting 24-28GB usage while gaming, especially with other programs running. You're either better off staying with 16GB or going for that 32GB upgrade for the best performance.
If you can swing it, I’d recommend just going for a 2x16GB configuration for a total of 32GB. This is becoming pretty much the standard for gaming these days. Going with 3x8GB could slow things down because you're losing some dual-channel speed, which might not be worth it in the long run. Here's a link to a good deal for 32GB: [link].
You actually won’t lose dual-channel capability with a 3x8GB setup. Your motherboard will still run in a flex mode where 2 sticks run in dual-channel, while the third stick runs in single channel if needed. So, technically, adding that 8GB is a gain and can help reduce performance hits during gaming!
You should just grab a matching kit and upgrade to 32GB. Mixing RAM can lead to issues and suboptimal performance, so it's better to have a uniform set. Trust me, it’ll be worth the investment!
I totally get that! I've just got to deal with my current hardware setup for now, but I appreciate the advice!