I'm trying to decide between getting 4x8 GB or 2x16 GB DDR5 RAM at 5600Hz CL40. The price difference is significant—it's $89 for the 4x8 configuration and $187 for the 2x16. I'm considering my options and would love some advice on which setup is more beneficial in the long run.
5 Answers
I just spotted a cheaper 2x16GB option too! Honestly, the 4x8 setup didn't seem worth the hassle given the current prices. I managed to snag a good deal before prices skyrocketed.
2xRAM is generally the way to go for stability. You should only consider 4x if absolutely necessary or if you're targeting specific workloads.
Definitely go for the 2x16 configuration. It's easier to upgrade in the future and should work well in dual channel for most tasks. However, check the quality of the used sticks closely since there's a big price gap. You don't want to get stuck with faulty RAM!
For DDR5, I’d recommend sticking with two sticks for better stability. Just make sure the RAM you buy is tested for your specific CPU to avoid any issues down the line.
If your focus is gaming, I would avoid CL40 due to the higher latency. Aim for something like CL36 at a minimum. Lower CL numbers like CL32 or even CL30 are ideal for better performance if you can find them.

I found a decent 2x16GB option too, so I'm going for that! Trust me, the 4x8 setup could have been a headache with upgrades. Plus, these prices are pretty good given how things are right now.