12GB RAM vs. 16GB for gaming

[RGBisKey]

Hello all, hope you're having a good day. I am currently running with 8GB of DDR3 RAM @1600MHz in dual channel. I am looking to upgrade but is the jump to 16GB worth it over 12GB? Will I even notice a difference? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you.

[lightfire]

What are you using your system for?

As long as you don't bump into your ram limit, you won't notice a difference.

[Caennanu]

judging from your other help post. Yes 16gb will be better than 12gb, simply because its DDR3 and its easier for the memory controller to use same size / speed modules.

[Ukyo82]

Good if you was mention your PC stats, but 12GB enough for 1080p gaming, there is no game who require more then 12GB if not multitasking.16GB is better to be carefree but if your system not good enough 12GB is ok

[Tan3l6]

Usually best to use RAM sticks 1-2 per CPU RAM channel.

So mostly 2-4. 

 If using 3 sticks on dual-channel system the performance will drop.

[ewitte]

12GB is only a good idea if you have one of the old triple channel boards.

[Sir0Tek]

8 hours ago, ewitte said:

12GB is only a good idea if you have one of the old triple channel boards.

Hmm... 2+4+2+4 dual channel does work also.

[Cavalry Canuck]

49 minutes ago, Sir0Tek said:

Hmm... 2+4+2+4 dual channel does work also.

 

I ran an 8,4,8,4 setup for a year and a half. Was able to run tighter timings than with just the 8,x,8,x setup.

 

But then I cooked my 4gb sticks.