2 vs 4 dimms

[ImGeorge]

Is there any difference between using 2 or 4 dimms in a motherboard, does it effect stability for example?

 

I'm curious as with the release of ddr4 being close, ddr3 prices will surely fall, I'm contemplating whether to simply add an additional 2 dimms (4 total) for 16GB or replace my existing 2x4GB dimms with 2x8GB dimms.

 

This ofcourse if ddr3 prices plummet, I'm well aware '0mg you don't need 16jiggabytes for gaming'.  

 

Thanks

[helping]

On some boards the NB may need a voltage bump for 4 RAM sticks especially at higher frequencies since it's a bit harder on the controller.

Only other difference is whether you're using a board with support for quad channel.

I would go ahead and add 2 more dimms for 16GB.

[ImGeorge]

On some boards the NB may need a voltage bump for 4 RAM sticks especially at higher frequencies since it's a bit harder on the controller.

Only other difference is whether you're using a board with support for quad channel.

I would go ahead and add 2 more dimms for 16GB.

 

Cheers, I'm using a Maximus VI Gene, I've only ever run my ram @ 1866MHz CL9. I know the performance increase in high speed memory is pretty much non-existent. 

[TheRetiredSlave]

If you have 2x4 right now, the cheapest solution to get to 16 total is just to slap in another 2x4.. There's no performance difference, though they may not be able to OC as high if you have two different kits (not that RAM speed affects anything)..