I'm putting together a PC on a tight budget, and the best-priced option I found is a Biostar 8GB DDR4-3200 stick for about $50. I'm considering buying two sticks for a dual-channel setup, but I don't know much about Biostar memory or how dependable it is over time. Is it reasonable to buy this kit, or would it be smarter to save for a more familiar brand or look for used RAM instead?
4 Answers
The brand on the RAM usually matters less than the specifications, warranty, and return policy. Most memory companies use DRAM chips from a small group of manufacturers, so Biostar RAM isn't automatically a bad choice. Just make sure the seller has a reasonable return or replacement process in case the sticks are defective.
Biostar has been making PC hardware for a long time, and their products generally aren't known for being unreliable. That said, $50 per 8GB stick sounds expensive for DDR4. I’d compare prices for a used 16GB kit from a better-known brand, since you may get more capacity and better value.
If you buy two sticks, try to purchase them as a matched 2-stick kit rather than two separate modules. A matched kit is tested to run together at its advertised speed, although two individual sticks with the same specifications will often work too. Enable the appropriate memory profile in the motherboard firmware after installation.
Used RAM from brands like Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, G.Skill, or similar can be a good alternative if the seller accepts returns. For a budget build, getting 16GB as a pair is usually more worthwhile than paying a premium for two separate 8GB modules.
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