I recently got a new Intel i7-14700KF processor paired with an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card, and I already have 16GB of RAM installed. I've just ordered another 32GB of RAM, but I came across a video saying that using three RAM sticks would force one to run in single channel mode instead of dual channel. Since I'm not very familiar with this, I'm wondering if it's better to return the 32GB and wait to buy a second 32GB stick instead, so that I can run in dual channel. In the meantime, if I add the 32GB to my current two 8GB sticks, will that improve performance or degrade it by running in single channel?
2 Answers
Adding a 32GB stick to your existing two 8GB sticks will help in increasing your total RAM, but it won't reach the peak performance potential because of the single channel issue. Dual channel allows for better data flow and speed, so if possible, try to get that second 32GB stick for optimal performance. It's worth a little wait to have everything running efficiently.
If you use three RAM sticks, two of them can run in dual channel (the ones in the matching slots), while the third will run in single channel. So ideally, it's best to have two identical sticks to maximize performance. You could plug the new 32GB right in and use it with the two 8GB sticks, but just keep in mind you won't get the full benefit of dual channel with that setup. Once you get the second 32GB, you'll be running in dual channel, which is better for performance overall.
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