ram sticks

[Byamps]

how many stick of ram should i have typically? because currently i have one stick picked out and im wondering if it can run with only one stick of ram

[Chronicgo]

Yes you can run it with one stick of ram it’s not uncommon to do so. But just make sure it it set at the second slot from the CPU. And if you do wish to upgrade you can either buy the same exact stick again or just buy a new brand with more sticks or vice versa.

[Poinkachu]

31 minutes ago, Byamps said:

how many stick of ram should i have typically? because currently i have one stick picked out and im wondering if it can run with only one stick of ram

Preferably two sticks, so that dual channel feature will be activated.

You can run the PC / Laptop with just 1 stick, but you will lose out some performance that you could've had.

 

The amount of performance increase with dual channel varies from game to game, workload to workload.

 

https://www.hardwaretimes.com/single-channel-vs-dual-channel-memory-which-is-better-for-gaming/2/

 

 

Also for something that you might want to put into consideration :

When buying an additional stick later down the road, there is a chance that it doesn't work well with the old one. Even if you buy the same exact model.

This is due to manufacturers sometimes changes ICs down the road.

 

Usually the common problem that arise from it is that the system is unstable with XMP/DOCP on. Meaning you will have to manually overclock the ram to reach the advertised speed. (XMP/DOCP is a form of automatic overclock). But IIRC there are also cases where the system is unstable even with XMP off.

We sometimes gets people having these kind of trouble asking for help in this forum.

 

A kit usually already factory tested that the sticks in that kit will work well together.

 

So, depending on where you live / regulations there, buying a two stick kit right off the bat might be your best option.

Example : Me, in my country can't return a ram stick just because it doesn't work well with my old one.