I'm considering upgrading my RAM from 16GB to 32GB, but I found some 4x8GB sticks at a decent price. I'm worried if using 4 sticks instead of 2 will cause any issues, especially with my setup comprising a Ryzen 5800X3D and an Aorus Elite AX V2 motherboard. The RAM I purchased is rated at 3200MHz with timings of CL16-18-18-32, and I'm uncertain if I should go through with the upgrade or stick with 2 sticks. Should I cancel my order? Are the current prices likely to drop soon?
5 Answers
Good news is you'll end up with 32GB, but there might be a downside if the new sticks can't match the speed of your existing RAM. Prices are pretty unpredictable right now; I'd keep an eye on them if you're looking for better deals.
It's tough, but you might find used options that could save you a little.
For DDR4, running 4 sticks is usually fine, and can even provide a small performance boost depending on your workload. However, just be cautious and ready for some potential troubleshooting if things don’t run smoothly right away.
Always nice to know that it's usually a straightforward option.
But it's also a bit nerve-wracking imagining all the potential issues.
It's often said that 4 sticks can put more strain on your memory controller, but with DDR4, many users report success. I've had mixed kits work fine together without major issues, as long as timings are similar. Yes, you might need to tweak some settings for stability, but it can certainly work!
Still, if you need to do a lot of tweaking, it can get tricky.
That's exactly what I'm afraid of! I just want things to work straight out of the box.
If you can match all the timings across the sticks, you should be good to go with 4 sticks. Just keep in mind that while DDR4 is generally forgiving, you'll want to ensure they're compatible to avoid any headaches!
Generally, using fewer RAM sticks is preferred because it reduces stress on your CPU and motherboard's memory controller. If you can run a single low-latency module, that's usually best. But with DDR4, as long as the sticks are compatible, you should be okay running four sticks. Just be cautious about potential speed or timing mismatches, as they can cause issues.
So frustrating! I wish I upgraded sooner when prices were lower.