2 RAM Sticks vs 4 RAM Sticks

[narunekogi]

So I'm about to build a GAMING computer and it will most likely be mainly used for Max Settings on Every Game possible. Also probably used to watch some blueray movies or very high quality videos.

 

So I'm certain that I will get Corsair memory. I'm having trouble deciding between 

 

 

Corsair Dominator Platinum (8x2 GB) 16GB @ 1866Mhz 9-10-9-27                     $190

 

Corsair Dominator Platinum (4x4 GB) 16GB @ 1866Mhz 9-10-9-27                     $240

 

So what's the difference besides the price and the amount of RAM sticks? I'm aware that having 2 RAM Sticks will also allow me to upgrade in the future. I'm not really sure about voltage if it's going to use less.

 

Could anyone tell me what's the best solution? 

[Bleedman0xx]

They're both overpriced. The best solution is spending your money rationally when it comes to RAM.

 

Edit: It also depends on what motherboard you're going to get. Planning to buy an LGA 2011 board? Get the pack with 8 RAM sticks. LGA 1155/1150? Get the 4 pack.

[samuel]

Two 8 gig dims best solution. Buy them only for showing off [build log]

[nishank93]

Go for 2*8, simply because you can add more later. Also, Dominator Platinums aren't worth it unless you're going for 2133+ speeds.

[naca1227]

First off if you are gaming there is no need to have any RAM that goes over 1600MHz, I would get vengeance RAM instead of overpriced platinums. I highly suggest putting the $90 you could be saving on a better GPU or Mobo/CPU

[virusal19]

2 X 8 will allow lower chance of having a defect RAM and anything over 1600MHz for gaming is not worth it.

[WildTurtle]

May you please add if your running a 2011 or 1150/1155/1156 system. If your gaming just get some corsair vengeance stuff ( 2x8 if your on the mainstream platform and 4x4 if your running 2011). Try to get a speed around 1600mhz anything higher around the 2133Mhz range you wont notice for gaming. Also, dual channel memory does have lower latency and lower bandwidth compared to quad channel which has higher latency and is able to get more effective bandwidth, however for gaming this change in performance is so insignificant you wont notice it unless your running very specific benchmarks.

[WoodenMarker]

Ram is ram. You're better off getting the cheapest CL9 1600/1866 2x4GB kit you can find.

 

Get 2 sticks for more expand ability in the future.

2 sticks for dual channel can be up to 50% better than 1 stick in single channel but 4 sticks of ram in quad are only 2-4% better than 2 sticks in dual channel.

Expand ability is preferred. 

[MarcusLauk]

Go for 2 RAM sticks the less sticks the less work the CPU has to do and you can upgrade in the future

[narunekogi]

Going for a Windows 7, LGA 1150 Build, i7-4770k I do want to show off... a... little... I'm going to go with the ASUS Maximus VI Formula board I believe.

[PuNkPoEtS]

just love how everyone is asking about intel builds ( 2011/1155/1156/1150) where there is also AMD systems as well

 

 

but to answer your question the best is getting the biggest single chip you motherboard supports and then it leaves you the choice for upgrade later

[WildTurtle]

Going for a Windows 7, LGA 1150 Build, i7-4770k I do want to show off... a... little... I'm going to go with the ASUS Maximus VI Formula board I believe.

I'd recommend getting some black or red corsair vengeance 2x8GB kit at 1600mhz. 

[WildTurtle]

just love how everyone is asking about intel builds ( 2011/1155/1156/1150) where there is also AMD systems as well

 

 

but to answer your question the best is getting the biggest single chip you motherboard supports and then it leaves you the choice for upgrade later

Dont be offended, It's just typically most people in the Build Logs and such have Intel builds.

[Bleedman0xx]

just love how everyone is asking about intel builds ( 2011/1155/1156/1150) where there is also AMD systems as well

AMD makes computer stuff?! :O Preposterous!

[Guest GRRigger]

Very, very bad time for any ram upgrades :(

 

DDR4 is bound to come out later this year. 

 

Oversupply was sold at low margin and even loss.

 

Major memory makers want to catch mobile bandwagon.

 

But yea, 2 ram stick. Less heat produced, lower price, better relability.

[Bleedman0xx]

DDR4 is bound to come out later this year.

More like the end of 2014.

[Maverik5124]

DDR4 is bound to come out later this year. 

It doesn't matter though because there are no processors and motherboards that support DDR4 yet. Haswell WILL NOT support it so how is this relevant?

 

to OP: you should get the cheapest 1600mhz cl9 or 1866mhz cl9 ram you can find. I would suggest getting either 2 x 8gb or even 2 x 4gb. (If you're on 2011 then get 4 x 4gb)

Some cheap ram I can suggest is G.Skill Sniper 1866mhz. I got it myself and there are no problems

[LogicalDrm]

Buying 4 sticks now is useless. I'm with 2x8gb. Main con might be if you really want to show off system it'll look bit odd not having all slots populated. Pro however is that you can upgrade more memory later if needed and prices have come down. They will eventually. Also Corsairs new Vengeance pro's look really good. They have similliar heatsink with DomPlats and come with more colors. Pricing is also bit more decent than with DPs.