Is Upgrading to 24GB RAM Worth It if I Lose Dual Channel?
Asked by
TechieTurtle42
Hey everyone! I'm currently running a system with an i9-9900K and 16GB of DDR4 RAM (2x8GB). I've been experiencing a lot of high disk usage because of the pagefile, which is affecting my gaming performance. I'm considering upgrading to 24GB (3x8GB), but I'm worried about losing the dual-channel configuration. I can't install a fourth stick due to clearance issues with my AIO cooler and the motherboard heatsinks. Would upgrading to 24GB be beneficial, or should I aim for a different setup? Thanks for your insights!
Answers
Going for a 2x16GB setup is the best option if you're able to spend. It's becoming pretty standard for gaming these days, and you'll likely see a good boost in performance!
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Three sticks can lead to some performance hiccups. If you can, look to get a matching kit and either go for 32GB or stick with your current 16GB setup. Mixing different RAM setups can be tricky and might not yield the best results.
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You actually won't lose dual-channel completely. If you run 3x8GB, it'll operate as flex mode. So, the first 16GB (2x8GB) will run in dual-channel, and the third stick will run in single-channel - basically, your system will still handle memory fine!
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Honestly, I’d recommend jumping straight to 32GB if your budget allows. Modern games are using more RAM, and while 24GB might help a bit, you’d definitely feel some slowdown from losing dual-channel configuration. Here's a decent RAM kit on Amazon that won’t break the bank.
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24GB might not be enough these days. I've seen usage go up to 28GB while gaming with a few apps open. If you want to future-proof your setup, consider upgrading to 32GB!
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