More small sticks of RAM or fewer larger?

[Sfobrien52]

I was looking into upgrading laptop memory when I noticed  a deal on an 8gb stick that was just as cheap as 2x4gb sticks.

My end goal here is 8gb of laptop memory so my question is which would be better for overall performance? A single 8gb stick, or the 2 4gb?

 

Apologies if this has already been asked, but I couldn't find the thread

[FireFox]

In my laptop for example I'd do with two sticks because it's in dual channel, a single stick is in single channel.

 

Not sure about newer ones but I'd go with two sticks

[target39]

Single 8GB. It will put less strain on the IMC and allow more available slots for twice as much storage if you decide to fill it up. Example:

4 DIMM slot motherboard

4x4gb = 16gb

4x8gb = 32gb

[AustinTheIntern]

Single 8GB. It will put less strain on the IMC and allow more available slots for twice as much storage if you decide to fill it up. Example:

4 DIMM slot motherboard

4x4gb = 16gb

4x8gb = 32gb

+

 

Edit: 

 

I did pick 2x4gb because I could not upgrade - 8gb was the maximum amount of memory my mobo could handle

[EChondo]

As target has said, unless it's a laptop for something that is going to need dual channel mode, then just get a single 8GB dim and get a second one later on if needed.

[jaypro]

Going with the 1 module with 8GB gives you the opportunity to at some point add another 8GB for a total of 16GB.

 

The difference in performance from 2x4GB and 8GB will only be noticeable in benchmarks.  I highly doubt there will be any difference in the real world.

[mgsstar]

Single 8GB. It will put less strain on the IMC and allow more available slots for twice as much storage if you decide to fill it up. Example:

4 DIMM slot motherboard

4x4gb = 16gb

4x8gb = 32gb

Wanted to ask this question. Thanks for the answer! :)