Is a pair of two 8 gig ram modules the same as a single package of four 8 gig dims

[Chris Stout]

When I say the same I am referring to quad channel support, not the capacity. I know this question may be pretty stupid. I'm pretty sure the dims are identical no matter if they come in a 2 -dim or in a 4-dim package.

 

Thanks for the help.

[aricleather]

If your motherboard has quad channel memory support, you will get extra performance out of 4x4 versus 2x8. If your motherboard only supports dual channel, there will be little to no performance increase between 2x8 versus 4x4, therefore 2x8 is the better option because you can expand to 32GB if you ever need to. If you do buy 2x8, and buy another 2x8, get the same one. Sometimes RAM isn't compatible with eachother, and your best bet is to get the same kit.

[Enderman]

Yes but the pack of 4 are validated together to make sure they work 100% although two separate packs of 2 should have no issues. None that I've heard of at least.

Better to get 2x8 so that you can add two more in the future if you need 32GB of ram.

[Chris Stout]

that is what I was amusing, but I wanted another opinion.  

[Queek]

Just to add a little validation, even though this is already answered, I'm running 2x2 sticks of memory in quad channel and it works just fine.  You're just playing more of a lottery if you get two sets of two as opposed to one set of four.