Dual Channel RAM Question

cooleobro · September 12, 2015

If I have a mobo with dual channel memory, could I use two sets of 2x8 RAM sticks for 40 USD and have 16Gb? Most 16Gb kit hover around 100 USD and I was wondering if I could just spend 80 for two kits. The mobo has 4 slots after all. Is it more advantageous to buy a 16Gb set and why?

FizzyFantom · September 12, 2015

With dual channel RAM you should make sure that the pairs are matched. This means you should buy two kits of 2 modules, putting them in the correct slots for each kit.

Does your motherboard have 4 RAM slots? If so then you will be able to put one kit in one pair of slots and the other kit in the other pair (usually the ones coloured the same, but check your manual to be sure).

Oshino Shinobu · September 12, 2015

You can. It's best to make sure the specs are the same for the two sets to maximise the chances of them working together. RAM isn't guaranteed to work together if it's not from the same kit, though.