Is it better to have one 8gb or two 4gb 2V on my Acer 475g laptop. They gave me the following specs to install. Which approach is better, to buy two sticks 8gb to be four sticks with 8gb, from the same ones or new one 2 * 16gb? Stuart Harvey 1 reaction · 8 comments Mikey Cequiña PC Builders Community (Official) 1y · Public Whats better in 32 gb ram 2x 16gb ram or 4x 8gb ram (Please respect I dont have knowledge in building pc and I want to learn thank you) Ime Halliday and 96 others 97 Feb 17, 2010 · Four sticks would cause more strain on the memory controller and motherboard chipset. Jan 26, 2017 · I have 1 stick 8gb ram and 2 sticks of 4 gig ram will it work? Any draw backs? It's same brand gskill aegis same sticks just different size [messy title edited by moderator] Mar 17, 2025 · Mixing different capacities like 4GB and 8GB can lead to unexpected performance issues, even if the specs appear similar. Is having more RAM better than having matching RAM sticks? My laptop only has one ram stick of 4GB and it would be cheaper to buy one single 8GB stick too. I was wondering If it's best to get a 1 8GB ram stick or a 2x 4GB ram stick. Having 8GB will allow for better performance when running programs, streaming and gaming. Store only had 1 pack of 2x 8GB sticks so I'm gonna replace the two 4gb sticks with these. You can do 4 sticks of single rank ram sticks, or 2 sticks of dual rank ram sticks. Therefore, we also explored this topic Nov 1, 2015 · so as in the title is it better to have one 8gb stick of ram two 4gb or four 2gb is their any advantages and disadvantages to it (all stick run at same speed) We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Can I replace the two 4GB Ram modules for one 8GB RAM Module ? I am using Windows 7 64bit and AMD Phenom 2 X4 850 Processor 3. It’s recommended that when you use the two pairs, you use pairs bought at the same time as a kit. Even heard 1x8GB would work well too. So it should be better than 2x4GB though the difference would only kick in when using more than 8GB anyway. Jan 9, 2017 · Currently my internal ram comes with 4gb 2133mhz sodimm ddr4, with 1 more ram slot for upgrade. 0 MB Total Cache Socket AM3 Aug 25, 2021 · I found that, for using the dual channel you have to get the exact same models of RAM, so should I instead go for a 2 8GB kit? Then I will have to buy a 2 8GB 3200mhz (3200mhz is not supported by my processor and mobo) kit cause, 2400/2666mhz kits are out of stock here. I have been facing memory bottleneck, and want to add more RAM to my current setup. etc. In other words, the laptop will perform better if you install 2*4GB instead of 8GB+0GB. It's not guaranteed that 8gb ram sticks are single rank, but in my personal experience, a lot of 8gb sticks of ram are single rank. Practically speaking you'll likely notice a greater benefit with 2+8 than 4+4 since the total RAM available is more. Aug 13, 2022 · 2 8GB RAM vs 4 4GB RAM | Which Is Better? As you are now aware of the mechanism of RAM, you know that multiple RAM is better than a single RAM. Which approach is better regarding the performance buying: Two memory sticks of 2GB? One mem Jun 24, 2025 · When it comes to upgrading your computer or purchasing a new device, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face is how much RAM (Random Access Memory) you need. 16gb of ram is $40 and 4gb sticks dont come in good timings. Jul 10, 2013 · My Gigabyte M68MT-S2P Motherboard has got a faulty RAM Slot. Therefore, we also explored this topic from a scientific point of May 12, 2015 · Assuming your motherboard supports dual channel memory, I would advise getting a matched pair of ram (2x4GB). Laptop specs says 8gb DDR 4 3200 mhz. However, dual channel is unlikely to have any impact on the performance, so isn't an May 23, 2016 · Depends on the board. If it's a board with only 2 slots, a single 8GB stick is superior. Jul 15, 2025 · When it comes to optimizing your computer’s performance, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the amount and configuration of RAM (Random Access Memory) installed in your system. SKILL Aegis brand. So with a dual channel board and four sticks of RAM your computer essentially sees two sticks in total, but each one is physically two sticks. Most CPUs these days are dual-channel, meaning they work best with two identical sets of memory, and some are even quad-channel. I am looking to upgrade my PC from 4GB of RAM to 8GB. Windows caches lots to ram if you have a lot of ram, with certain programs open. A 2RPC configuration can be achieved with four 8GB DIMMs (which are bound to be single-rank, as no memory vendor uses 4Gb ICs anymore), or two 16GB dual-rank DIMMs. The aorus supports dual channel. I need to upgrade it to 8gb. May 31, 2017 · Adding an 8GB stick to your 4GB would likely make it run in flex mode, with the first 8GB being dual channel and the remaining 4GB in single channel. Which is better option, 1x8gb ram or 2x4gb ram. In this comparative analysis, we will delve into the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of Sep 10, 2021 · Hey guys looking to upgrade my ram for my pc both for performance and aesthetics. If your system won't post and you have two sticks, you can pull one stick at a time, move them from slot to slot and figure out if your ram is bad or if it's something else Having an 8gb channel and a 4gb channel will either run in single channel mode or have 8gb in dual channel and an extra 4gb in single channel. I'd pick one 16GB stick over two 4GB sticks any day, especially for what you're using it for. This Mac comes with a 4 gb (2gb x 2), but can be upgraded to 16 gb (8gb x 2), but Apple recommends 8 gb (4gb x 2). CPU is corei3 6006u with 32G ram support on max 2133 MHz frequency . Nov 19, 2019 · After the upgrade it may run in single channel, fully or partly. Same kind just difference in number of sticks, does it affect performance? Which would you get, and why? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Nov 3, 2013 · Example: Is there a difference between 2 sticks of 8GB each and 4 sticks of 4GB each of G Skill Trident X High Speed Ram? 2400 speed. The question arises: is it better to have one stick of RAM or two? In this article, we will delve deep into this topic, exploring the benefits and downsides of each configuration, performance implications So I currently have two 8gb sticks running on dual-channel mode. As for 1x8GB or 2x4GB RAM 2x 4gb might be better, when its dual-channel ram, then 1 8gb because it can be addressed faster. Yeah, I've done 8gb as 4 x 2gb sticks in the past, and then regretted not being able to just drop in another 8gb as two 4gb sticks for a mid build upgrade. 21 votes, 11 comments. Oct 8, 2022 · In general, having two 8GB sticks is better than a single 16GB stick from a performance perspective. Should I mix RAM brands or speeds when using 4GB and 8GB modules? The debate of whether to go with two 4GB RAM or one 8GB RAM is a heated one. Got some additional DDR3 ram for my old pc for running more applications simultaneously. 3 Ghz True Quadcore Design 2. Jul 15, 2024 · Quick, choose one of the configurations below! 8GB (4GB x 2) DDR3 RAM @ 2133 MHz 8GB (8GB x 1) DDR4 RAM @ 2133 MHz If you're like most people who don't understand much about PC hardware… you would assume that #2 is faster, or at least equally fast as #1. Max RAM per slot is 8GB. However, RAMs nowadays rarely die along the way and using one 8 GB of RAM Jun 22, 2017 · However, it is best that both RAM sticks have the same capacity like two 4GB sticks. Am I only able Aug 31, 2022 · So, Which one, 4GB RAM+4GB RAM or 4GB+8GB RAM? I have an Adata DDR4 4G CL17 2400 SO-DIMM 1. How should I distribute these in the slots? Jan 29, 2019 · My PC currently has 2x4GB Patriot 2400Mhz DDR4 modules. I would be shocked, honestly, if there was any perceptible difference between two 4GB DIMMS in a dual-channel configuration and one 8GB DIMM in a single-channel configuration. The more the better, I know, but just using as a reference). Jan 17, 2020 · Supporting this investigation is Team Group with their T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4-3000 memory. For full dual channel, both RAM sticks must be totally identical in all respects. While some argue that using a single stick is more cost-effective, others claim that dual-channel memory offers better performance and efficiency. Using mixed pairs like a 4GB and 8GB stick of RAM together will still allow the RAM to operate in dual channel mode, but the transfer rate will be around 10% lower compared to using two 4GB RAM sticks or two 8GB RAM sticks. On benchmarks you will see around 10% better memory performance on average, it varies on the benchmark with very few situations realizing the benefit of 2 times more memory bandwidth. Jul 10, 2017 · Assuming you have a CPU that has a dual channel memory controller then the two 4GB sticks will offer around two times more bandwidth than a single 8GB stick of RAM. Current specs: i9-9900k, rtx 3070, z390 Aorus ultra. Dec 25, 2013 · I recently got an 8GB ram stick to complement my two 4GB sticks. Is it better for me to add another 4gb or 8gb RAM? In theory you should still get dual channel speed with a 2GB and an 8GB, up to the first 4GB of RAM used. Jan 16, 2023 · Here’s why: Cost – 4 8GB RAM modules are cheaper than 2 16GB RAM modules. I've always assumed the people asserting this knew what they were talking about. I've used both, 32gb does make a pretty large difference over 16gb for what I do. Of course this is a simplified and not entirely correct way of explaining this, but hopefully it explains it well enough. Practicality – 4 8GB RAM modules offer more flexibility and upgradeability than 2 16GB RAM modules. You would be wrong. a) leaving one of my current 2GBs and adding 8GB (it will give me a chance to upgrade it to 16 in the future if needed) b) changing both 2GBs to 2x 4GB which solution is better? why? Sep 18, 2018 · I'd like to upgrade from my current 2 x 4GB (8GB total) to 16 GB or RAM. Apr 4, 2008 · None other than a single stick with large capacity. Jan 5, 2022 · I'm using Asus Vivobook 15 x512fa. Out of curiosity, which configuration would you recommend? Which would give the best result for online gaming? My system is an HP Omen 880-109. What exact motherboard and CPU do you have? I am considering to buy x1c6 or t480. You can either add one 8 GB RAM stick or add two 4 GB RAM sticks to your motherboard. Apr 16, 2009 · So, unless you need more than 8GB for a certain task (or just want it for some reason), the best configuration, like dedekind said, would be an 8GB kit consisting of two identical 4GB modules, IE a 2x4GB kit. However, if your motherboard can't take larger than 8 gb then you would want the two 4 GB of RAM. I'm confused whether I should go for 4gb+[4gb] or 4gb +[8gb]. Since you have the same specs for speed and timings, you should be able to use the two 4GB and two 8GB sticks together, but keep an eye out for potential instability. Default ram brand is micron. Is one 8 gigabyte DIMM faster or slower or the same as two 4 gigabyte DIMMs in dual channel mode? This is DDR3-1333. My doubt it is if it's worth it change this free 4gb slot for a 8GB and run 12GB (4GB soldered + 8GB) or if this dual channel thing of those two 4GB is better. My question is, should I purchase two 2GB RAM cards, or one 4GB RAM card? Thanks, Jake Sep 29, 2021 · I have a PC with two 8GB 3200Mghz (ADATA D30) sticks plugged to a Ryzen 3600 on a Gigabyte B550 Gaming X Motherboard. I still recommend one 8gb stick over two 4gb due to being able to upgrade to 32gb down the line instead of a 16gb max. The only reason to go with 2 8gb sticks is if you were going to upgrade to 16 eventually and only have 4 slots. I'm thinking of upgrading this PC to have 16 GB RAM since a lot of games and tasks recently have been maxing out the RAM. But there are a few things to consider for it to work well: Compatibility: Make sure the two RAM sticks are compatible with your motherboard. 4x 4gb might be more RAM but some chipsets have to slow down the memory to handle it. Feb 7, 2023 · 1 8GB RAM or 2 4GB RAM – Which One Is Better Depends on Some Factors? If you want to add 8 GB of RAM to your computer, then there are three options in your hand depending on the available slots on the motherboard. By considering your usage patterns and future plans, you can choose the right amount of RAM for your computer, ensuring optimal performance and a smooth user experience. I just added a EVGA GTX 1070 ti SL as an upgrade to We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. One case was the same system, but we did re-quote to bump ram from 6 to 8GB. This is because you’re effectively getting two 8GB RAM modules for the price of one 16GB RAM module. Aug 26, 2020 · Is it better to have 2 4gb Ram or 1 8gb Ram when you have 4 DDR4 Ram slots? Edit: Imma go for one 8gb ram and later I'll buy a socond 8gb one. 9 Ive got a laptop that currently has 4gb of ram installed, looking through the activity monitor i can see that its always almost full, so im going to upgrade it. . 2+8 also leaves you a cheaper future upgrade option than having to replace both 4GB sticks. It is generally better to use one 8GB RAM module rather than two 4GB RAM modules. Again. Sep 26, 2018 · If you have 2 RAM slots then a one 8 gb of RAM is enough if you would like to upgrade in the future. DDR4-3200 dual-channel support DDR4-2400 dual-channel (DDR4-3200 bridge to DDR4-2666, DDR4-2666 Ok so i’m not experienced on pcs. Open slots trumps the small gains from memory bandwidth. If you want to upgrade down the road to 16GB, you could always get a single 8GB now, and an identical one later (if you only have 2 memory slots). I am running low on budget so 1*16GB stick would be affordable for me. This is because using a single, larger RAM module can improve the performance and stability of your computer, as compared to using multiple, smaller RAM modules. Otherwise, with 4GB+8GB, and if your motherboard supports it, you will be running in Flex Mode, where only the lower 4GB of both sticks run in dual channel mode. And ideally, the most ram I'll ever need is up to 16GBs or maybe even 32GBs of rams. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the differences between Nov 15, 2018 · I have an HP laptop with 8 gb ram. The advantage of using two RAM is when one RAM will fail along the way, you can still use your PC just using the other RAM. Also, if you are a PC gamer, upgrading your ram up to 8GB will give you more edge in gaming. Context: I want to upgrade my laptop's total RAM (two 4 GB, one is 2666 other is 2400) and I only have the budget for either two 8 GB RAM or one 16GB RAM. but would that be good? The single 8GB stick would be of the same frequency and CL of the 4GB one. My questions are: Is two 8GB 2666mhz better than a 4GB 2666mhz + 16GB 2666mhz, and why? Would it better to just have a single 16GB RAM rather a 16GB and 4GB together? Should I consider the CL of my RAM before upgrading? Next time I am Is it better to have one 8 gb ram or two 4 gb rams in my Macbook pro? Backstory: I've a Macbook Pro 15" Early 2011 model. Jan 10, 2014 · And if the motherboard had 4 RAM sockets, along the same lines, would it be better to have 4 2GB sticks? Or Would that be less efficient? youll be better of with 2x 4GB incase you want to upgrade to 16GB if that day ever comes. In case If buy Ram with same clock speed & all other parameters except using different memory sizes. Mar 5, 2017 · I have a question since I'm going to be building my first gaming PC. But I'm also aware having RAM on all channels allows for a higher bandwidth. So, if there are three options in your hand including using one 16GB RAM, two 8GB RAM, and four 4GB RAM, you must eliminate the first option of using one 16GB RAM. I was wondering if it's a better option to buy two 4gb rams instead of a single 8gb… Apr 4, 2015 · is it better to have a single 8gb ram stick or two 4gb ram sticks and what are the pros and cons if any? Sep 26, 2022 · Which one is better, two 8GB RAM and one 16G RAM? Significant performance improvement with sufficient memory capacity Games, photo/video processing clips, complex editing of graphic content, and other tasks that consume memory, increasing the memory allows the computer to run more programs at the same time. If it's a board with 4 slots, then dual 4GB sticks are superior due to the increased bandwidth. Would dual channel be better with 2 4gb sticks, or should I go 8gb, since I would eventually be able to upgrade to 32gb RAM then? Can we install 8GB+2GB RAM? Yes we can, although ideally the 2 channels better have the same RAM installed. A "2 Rank (s) Per Channel" (2RPC) configuration will provide better performance through rank-interleaving; by how much depends entirely on how well the CPU's memory controller handles interleaving. May 17, 2024 · When it comes to upgrading or purchasing new RAM for your computer, the choice between using one RAM stick or two can be a confusing decision. But it has only 4gb ram. 4. The mother board that I will be purchasing has 4 slots of ram. 4 sticks of 8gb or 2 sticks of 16gb or 32gb. Read this guide to figure out which is better for you. It's a ryzen 5 4500u with 2 slots ,with 4gb ram each. May 4, 2025 · For instance, if you have one 4GB and one 8GB stick, the first 4GB of each can run in dual-channel, while the remaining 4GB of the 8GB stick will run in single-channel mode, which may limit performance in demanding scenarios. I got my laptop with one memory module (4GB) soldered and another free slot currently with another 4gb module. EDIT - there is a much better technical explanation on The Hyphenated Site to enforce my answer, although it does mention lower sized sticks: It's May 25, 2015 · We are looking at a system with 8GB DDR3 1600MHZ with 4 slots. The ability to add on memory in the future is Jun 9, 2022 · Hi, the laptop currently has two 4GB SODIMM modules, and we want to upgrade to 16GB total. Apr 13, 2005 · I've heard this touted throughout my perusing of tech forums: Two sticks are better than four. Jun 3, 2025 · Two sticks do allow memory to work on more channels, giving a slight speed boost, but honestly? You probably won't notice much difference in performance. Is performance better if we install two matched 8GB modules compared to a single 16GB? Dec 23, 2013 · 4GB+4GB or 8GB+2GB Ram? Hi, I'd like to add more RAM to my mid-2012 Macbook Pro (without Retina) and I'm just thinking about these two options. 1 stick 8GB or 2 4GB RAM sticks?I eventually want 16gb RAM total, but can't afford another 8gb right now. You want two 8gb sticks, not four 4gb sticks to get to 16gb of RAM etc. Which configuration provide better performance. Basically, yes dual sticks have better performance, but it's not a huge impact in the tasks you'll be doing. Two sticks is also better if you need to trouble shoot an issue at some point. I wanted to know which of the above two configurations performs better? I understand that using single 8GB RAM in one slot… People said I should be using two 4GB sticks on two channels (at least. Please help me understand the implications and differences of both configurations so that I can make a choice. With technology continually evolving, the capacities of RAM are increasing, leading many to question whether 8GB is sufficient or if 16GB is the better choice. Mar 11, 2025 · Ultimately, the decision of whether to opt for 4GB or 8GB RAM comes down to your individual needs and budget. Is it better if i just replace my two 4gb ram strips for two 8 strips? Or can i get one 16gb strip and keep a 4gb strip, cause then i would have more? Which is better? (I have two slots) We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Obviously there's no guarantee that it'll be compatible, but as the technology gets better, there's a better chance that it's compatible. In fact, #2 is actually running at half the speed of #1. Oct 20, 2015 · Hello everyone. Single Channel or Dual Channel in RAM? This video is basically about 1 8gb ram vs 2 4gb ram noting what the results of the benchmarks have been. This is a B85M-DS3H-A motherboard. As people have already mentioned, 2 sticks performs better in dual channel configuration. (I can't decide which one I should buy) When I select configuration, I see 16 GB (8 + 8) RAM and 16GB single RAM and I was wondering if which one is better in any case Thanks in advance guys! May 7, 2021 · 32gb. Then I ran across these Aug 4, 2021 · Yes, 8GB is better than 4GB ram. The mainboard has 4 memory slots, The PC has Windows 7 64-bit installed. With dual channel the CPU's memory controller can communicate with both channels at the same time (two way street) which offers higher memory bandwidth (128bit data channel). It would take slightly longer for the CPU to add and retrieve data from four sticks as opposed to two. I dont know why you would run 8gb in 2023 when it hasnt been the standard for new builds in 6 or 7 years. FAQs What is RAM, and why is it important? Feb 1, 2025 · Choosing between 4GB RAM and 8GB RAM is difficult without knowing what sets them apart. Aug 23, 2022 · Therefore, I would start with 1 x 8GB, so that one day I could add an 8GB stick (or maybe a 4GB stick) and wouldn’t have to throw away one of the two smaller memory sticks. I am planning to buy a new PC. 8GB of RAM improved the computers overall speed and memory. 4gb 8gb RAM Together • Is it better to have one 8gb or two 4gb?----------Our mission is to create educational content. First of all guys, 8 GB Dual channel RAM is Better Than 12GB Single channel? I think if I use a 8GB and a Aug 5, 2021 · This means that you’ll have one 4GB RAM and one 8GB RAM in each channel. There is one fixed slot 4gb non removable & one empty slot available for me. Now, I have stumbled upon a question. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. They've provided two 8GB modules along with four 4GB modules, all using the same timing