Hey everyone! I'm gearing up to build a new PC, but it's been quite a while since my last build—about six years. I'm looking at getting 64 GB of RAM, but I've noticed that prices are really high right now. The thing is, I don't *really* need 64 GB at the moment. I want to make sure my build is future-proof, but I'm wondering if it makes more sense to grab 32 GB (2x16 GB) now and then buy another set later when prices hopefully drop. I've heard that using four sticks of RAM might not be as good as using two, but I don't want to waste my investment in a 2x16 GB kit if I end up needing to buy 2x32 GB later. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!
6 Answers
32 GB is usually enough. You can easily manage multiple tabs and run various programs simultaneously without issues. As a musician, I can confirm 32 GB works great even for complex setups. You might be able to run a game while streaming music and browsing just fine.
I’d say go for the 32 GB (2x16 GB) now! That should handle most tasks just fine. Plus, if you want to add more later, you can get the same kit when prices drop. These days, most modern motherboards handle four RAM sticks without any major issues.
Thanks for that info! It's nice to know it won’t cause too many problems.
I’ve heard that some boards, especially AM5, have trouble with four sticks. It might be tricky to get them stable at XMP settings.
That sounds like a solid strategy! Just keep in mind that it may be challenging to find the exact same kit later. Aim for popular memory timings so you have more flexibility down the road. Many manufacturers share the same RAM chips, which can help with compatibility.
Appreciate the tip! I'll keep that in mind.
I’m running 32 GB DDR4 (4x8 GB) on my setup, and it's been totally stable. So I wouldn’t worry too much if you eventually decide to add more later.
Glad to hear it's working well for you!
Honestly, the performance difference between having 2x32 GB and 4x16 GB is pretty small, as long as you use the same model for all four sticks. Just make sure if you go with two sets, they match in specifications to avoid any stability issues later.
Thanks for clarifying!
For most gamers, 64 GB is overkill. 32 GB (2x16 GB) should cover you for a while. If you're on a tight budget, you can even start with 16 GB. What parts are you considering for your build?
Right now I’m looking into a budget of about €1,600 to €1,800, and I think I’ll go for a 5070Ti. Just trying to learn about what else I might need!
If I’m gaming, have 10-20 tabs open, and also playing music, will 32 GB still be enough in a few years? That’s my concern.