I'm currently using two matching 8 GB RAM sticks but I also have an extra different 8 GB stick lying around. I'm considering upgrading my RAM and while I know that adding two new sticks would optimize performance, it's too expensive at the moment. I'm curious—would it be okay to add the third stick? I know dual channel setup is generally faster, but would having 24 GB across 3 sticks be better than staying at 16 GB with dual channel?
3 Answers
From what I've read, dual channel is really the way to go. When using two or four sticks, you maintain that dual channel performance, which can be significant. If you're just thinking about performance, I'd stick with that in mind mainly if you don't need more than 16 GB.
Honestly, if you plan to use over 16 GB, going with 24 GB could be beneficial. It's known as flex mode—your first 16 GB will run in dual channel, and the additional 8 GB will run in single channel. If you can keep your memory speed stable, then adding that 3rd stick should work just fine without any major downsides.
For normal tasks, 16 GB is typically enough and having just two sticks is going to perform better. But if your work demands more than 16 GB, then definitely consider the 3 sticks; it’ll actually give you better performance when you hit that threshold.
Thanks for clarifying! So, it sounds like that 3rd stick can be helpful if I run into heavy usage?