I'm in the process of building my first PC since my current prebuilt setup is starting to show its age. Here's what I'm looking at for my build: Ryzen 7 7800X3D or 7500X3D CPU, Thermalright Phantom Spirit EVO cooler, TUF Gaming B850-Plus Wifi motherboard, 2x16GB 6000 CL30 RAM, a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB SSD, RX 9070 XT GPU, Corsair 3000D RGB case with an additional 140mm fan, and a be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 850W PSU. Given the current RAM situation, would it make sense to buy just one 16GB or 32GB stick now and wait for prices to drop on a second one later? I'm concerned if running a single stick will hurt gaming performance too much. Also, I'm open to any feedback on my build! Thanks, and have a great week!
3 Answers
It's technically possible to run just one stick, but it comes with risks. Performance could take a hit, and you might find it challenging to find the same RAM later. If your budget allows, I'd suggest opting for the 2x16GB from the get-go to save yourself future hassle.
Exactly! Plus, dual-channel RAM generally performs better for gaming.
Just imagine saving up for a super high-end rig and then realizing you have to start with a single RAM stick! Best to avoid that situation if you can!
Yes, starting with one RAM stick can be a viable option to get your build going, especially if you plan to expand in the future. Many people have done this when RAM prices are high. Just keep in mind that single-channel memory can affect performance a bit, especially in gaming scenarios.
True, but remember that finding a matching stick later could be tricky. It's worth considering if you might just want to get a matched pair now to avoid headaches down the line.
That’s definitely a point to think about! I’d hate to run into compatibility issues later.
Yeah, I agree. Better to spend a little more now than regret it later when you're trying to match RAM.