I currently have 64GB of DDR5 and want to upgrade to roughly 128GB. Since memory prices are high, I'd prefer to buy another matching 64GB kit and run four 32GB sticks instead of replacing my current memory with two 64GB modules. How likely is this setup to become unstable or fail to boot? I've seen claims ranging from no noticeable difference to serious motherboard problems. My system uses an MSI Z790 Tomahawk, an Intel Core i5-13600K, and G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5-6000. I accidentally wrote 62GB in the original title; I meant 64GB.
4 Answers
Try to match the brand, capacity, speed, timings, and voltage as closely as possible. Even then, separate kits aren’t guaranteed to work together because they weren’t validated as one kit. It may boot normally, or you may need to reduce the memory speed until it becomes stable.
Four sticks can work, but two sticks are generally easier for the memory controller. With four DDR5 modules, you may not be able to run them at 6000 MT/s reliably, even if the kits have matching speed and timings. You might need to lower the memory speed or adjust settings before the system is stable.
Two 64GB modules would normally be the better configuration for stability and maximum speed, but buying another 64GB kit may be worth trying if the cost matters. Just be prepared to test thoroughly and possibly lower the memory frequency. Also, make sure you actually need the extra capacity, since 128GB is mainly useful for workloads such as virtual machines, large media projects, or heavy content creation.
The main issue is running four modules at high DDR5 speeds, not that four sticks automatically damage anything. If 6000 MT/s doesn’t work, lowering it to something like 4800 or another stable setting should usually solve the problem. Running at Intel’s supported JEDEC settings is the safest option.
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