This is my first PC build, and I'll mainly use it for gaming with some video editing. I was planning to buy a matched 2×16GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4 kit for about $200, but a friend offered me an 8GB PNY XLR8 RGB stick for $40. That would give me 24GB instead of 32GB. Would 24GB be enough for modern gaming and editing, and is it wise to mix RAM from different brands if the speed is the same?
3 Answers
Before paying $200, check reputable used listings or other retailers. DDR4 32GB kits can sometimes be found for considerably less, so you may be able to get the best of both worlds: 32GB without mixing random sticks. For gaming alone, 24GB is generally adequate, but editing makes 32GB the more sensible target.
For a new build, I’d go with the matched 2×16GB kit. Most games are fine with 16–24GB, but video editing and multitasking benefit from having 32GB available. A matched kit is also more likely to run reliably with its advertised XMP settings than a mix of different sticks.
Mixing RAM can work, but it isn’t guaranteed to be trouble-free. Even when the speed and capacity look compatible, the sticks may use different memory chips or timings. You might have to lower the speed or manually tune settings if XMP becomes unstable. Buying a matched 2×16GB kit is the simpler and safer option.
The system may still recognize all 24GB, but having a non-matching configuration can also affect memory channel operation depending on the motherboard. It’s usable, just not as ideal as a matched kit.