Is 4×32GB DDR5 worth it, or should I use 2×64GB?
Asked by
MellowOrbit47
I currently have 64GB of DDR5 and want to increase the system to 128GB. Because memory prices are high, I'd prefer to add another 64GB kit beside my existing kit rather than replace everything. How likely is this to cause instability, boot problems, or require lower memory speeds? Would matching the brand, timings, and rated speed be enough, or would a 2×64GB kit be the safer choice? The system uses an MSI Z790 Tomahawk motherboard, an Intel Core i5-13600K, and G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5-6000. I accidentally wrote 62GB in the original title; I meant 64GB.
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The problem usually isn’t that four sticks will damage the motherboard. The extra load simply makes high memory speeds harder to achieve. If DDR5-6000 isn’t stable, gradually reduce the speed—possibly to around DDR5-4800 or another stable setting. Running at the platform’s standard JEDEC speed should be much less problematic, though it gives up some performance.
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If you add another kit, try to match the capacity, model, timings, voltage, and rated speed as closely as possible. Even kits with identical specifications aren’t always guaranteed to work together, since they may use different memory chips. Test thoroughly for stability after installing them.
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Four DDR5 sticks put more stress on the memory controller than two, so adding another kit may prevent the system from running at DDR5-6000. It might work perfectly, but you may need to lower the memory speed or adjust settings before it becomes stable. A matched 2×64GB kit is generally the safer option if you want the best chance of running at the rated speed.
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Two sticks is normally easier on the system than four. Some people run four modules without any trouble, while others eventually need to lower speeds or manually tune voltage and timings. Whether 128GB is necessary depends on your workload, but if you need the capacity and want the least hassle, replacing the current memory with a validated 2×64GB kit is the more predictable route.
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MellowOrbit47: That makes sense. I’m mainly trying to avoid replacing a perfectly usable kit, but I’ll keep in mind that adding another kit may mean sacrificing the 6000 MT/s setting.