I'm putting together a PC bit by bit due to budget constraints. I'm concerned about RAM usage since I want to make this machine functional right away. I have an MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk motherboard, which I know requires DDR5 RAM. As this is my first build, I'm a bit uncertain if I can run just one 16GB DDR5 stick. I'd really appreciate some clarification on whether that's feasible and how I can determine this. I've looked at the specs and compatibility pages, but I haven't found a clear answer.
1 Answer
Yes, you can definitely use a single 16GB DDR5 stick with your motherboard! However, keep in mind that it's generally better to use two sticks, like two 8GB ones, to take advantage of dual-channel memory mode, which can boost performance. But if you're on a budget, starting with one stick is just fine!
Thanks for the info! I was a bit confused about the dual-channel thing. Now I get that using one stick means I won’t be utilizing that feature, but I’ll see what I can do.