I'm planning to build a powerful video editing rig and I'm trying to decide between using 24GB RAM sticks versus 32GB sticks. I noticed that for the super fast G.Skill RAM (8000+ speeds), they only have 24GB sticks available. Is there a significant difference in performance between these two sizes? Additionally, how much does RAM speed really matter? I'm considering speeds like 7600MHz versus 8400MHz. I'll be using multiple demanding applications like Firefox, DaVinci Resolve, and Affinity Publisher/Designer simultaneously. While I'm looking at other specs like the 5090 and 7950 GPUs, my main focus for now is on RAM capacity and speed. I'm thinking of going for 64-128GB in total, any insights would be appreciated!
4 Answers
When you're building a system for video editing, stability and capacity matter more than speed. I would recommend going for RAM speeds around 6000MHz or 6400MHz. Trying to push for 8000MHz can lead to instability, and it’s not worth the risk unless you really need that bandwidth. For video editing, having enough RAM is way more crucial than speed; your performance will often be dictated by your CPU and storage speed, especially when handling large files.
What about RAM sizes? Should I go for 2x48GB sticks instead of 4? I heard that using four sticks can limit speeds.
It’s worth noting that 24GB and 32GB DIMMs can provide more performance due to dual rank configurations, as opposed to 16GB single rank sticks. The 32GB usually offers better performance because of that. If you choose 24GB sticks, you benefit from dual rank performance, which might be helpful with your workload. Just weigh your options based on your needs and the overall build.
Totally, make sure to balance storage speed too, as it impacts your workflow a lot.
Thanks for that insight! Dual rank does sound appealing.
Getting 8000MT/s is possible but tricky, needing a lucky combination of CPU and motherboard. Unless you're certain you need that bandwidth, I'd stick to something manageable like 6000MT/s for better stability. If you’re going for high capacity, I’d suggest 2x48GB sticks. Just be aware that with four sticks, you might face issues regarding speed limits. Keep it simple for better performance.
What’s the downside of going for 4 sticks, though? Is it just speed?
Yes, mainly. It's about how RAM channels work and what the motherboard supports.
You're right that RAM size is key in video editing. It allows multiple applications to run smoothly without hitting bottlenecks. While you can get some benefits from faster RAM, it's only marginal. You're likely to see a few seconds saved in very intensive tasks with higher speeds, but overall, the size will give you more of a performance boost. Plus, consider using ECC or registered RAM for better stability and error correction, especially when managing vital projects.
Thanks for the clarity! I’ll definitely prioritize size over speed then.
Absolutely, and keep in mind that reliable performance will save you more time in the long run.
Yeah, if you want high speed, 2x48GB is better. 4 sticks can throttle your performance due to the lower officially supported speeds.