I recently picked up a single stick of 16GB DDR5 6400 CL36 RAM for $75. I'm wondering if it's better to wait and buy another 16GB stick, or if I should consider a deal that has a motherboard plus a combination of 16GB and 8GB RAM. Also, how important is it to match the specs, like whether I should get a second stick that's also 6400 CL36, or if a 6000 CL38 stick would work just as well?
3 Answers
Generally, it's not recommended to mix RAM sticks due to compatibility issues. It's better to either stick with just your single 16GB for now or buy a matched pair for optimal performance. Using the single stick until you can buy another one is a solid strategy.
I’d say just keep the 16GB for now and see how your system performs. If you notice any slowdowns or heavy lag, that's when you should consider upgrading. Otherwise, it should hold you over for a year or two without issues.
If you mix 16GB and 8GB, you’ll likely end up with dual-channel mode for the first 8GB of the 16GB stick, while the remaining 8GB would run in single-channel mode. This can affect performance a bit, but if you're just using your PC for general tasks, you might not notice a significant difference. Going that route could be a good stopgap until you find a better RAM deal.
Good to know! I think I'll take that route until I find something better on the marketplace.
That's what I was thinking too, but just wanted to hear some advice before making a decision.