I'm putting together a gaming PC and am deciding between a 2x8GB DDR4-3200 kit for about $70 and a 2x16GB DDR4-2666 kit for around $120. I'll mainly be gaming, but I also want to keep Chrome or Edge open on a second monitor for walkthroughs, tips, and other background tasks. The faster kit is rated 16-18-18-38, while the larger kit is 19-19-19-43. Which option makes more sense?
4 Answers
The 3200 kit has tighter timings, but the real-world difference between these kits is generally small for gaming. Unless you’re trying to maximize benchmark results, 32GB at 2666MHz is the better-balanced choice for this setup.
I’d go with the 32GB kit. The lower memory speed may cost a few frames in some situations, but having extra capacity is more useful when running a game alongside a browser, Discord, and other background programs.
Both kits use two sticks, so you’ll still get dual-channel operation. The 16GB kit is faster on paper, but the extra capacity should matter more for your stated use, and 2666MHz is still perfectly usable for gaming.
Games are more often limited by the CPU or GPU than by memory bandwidth. Running out of RAM or getting close to full capacity is more likely to cause stuttering, especially with lots of browser tabs open, so I’d choose 2x16GB.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload