Which RAM should I get?

[Gabby2805]

Hi, I'm new here but I've been watching LinusTechTips for a while now so I really hope the community can help me.

 

I'm saving up to build a PC. I would like the MSI Z170A Gaming M7 Motherboard and an intel i7-6700K processor. The motherboard has 4 RAM slots but for the processor, it says the max number of memory channels is 2...does that mean I can only have dual-channel RAM or can I have quad-channel?

 

Amazon seem to be having a sale on Corsair RAM so I'd like to buy this early to save some money. I'm stuck between 32GB (2x16GB) for about £180, 32GB (4x8GB) for about £116, or 16GB (2x8GB) for about £57. Which should I get?

 

Thanks in advance

[Overlandr]

It is only two channel so you would not get extra speed out of using 4. Do whatever is cheapest whether it be 2 or 4, but remember to put them in the right slots so it does work as duel channel.

[Overlandr]

Depending on what you are doing you will not need 32GB of RAM. 16GB will be enough for gaming a small amounts of video editing. 32 is generally overkill.

[Gabby2805]

1 minute ago, Overlandr said:

It is only two channel so you would not get extra speed out of using 4. Do whatever is cheapest whether it be 2 or 4, but remember to put them in the right slots so it does work as duel channel.

 

Thank you for your quick response!

 

So I'm better going for dual-channel then really if I won't gain anything from getting quad?

 

I've just realized that I made a slight mistake, the 32GB (2x16GB) I was looking at was 3000MHz and the other 2 options were both 2400MHz, I've found 32GB (2x16GB) 2400MHz and that is only £125 so its not much more expensive than the quad-channel. I suppose I just need to decide if I want to splash out on 32GB or save some money by going for 16GB. 

[Gabby2805]

3 minutes ago, Overlandr said:

Depending on what you are doing you will not need 32GB of RAM. 16GB will be enough for gaming a small amounts of video editing. 32 is generally overkill.

I was kind of thinking the same! I'm only considering 32GB RAM to be extra safe and future-proof. Plus I suppose I'd like to start editing gaming videos and uploading to youtube. If I go for (2x8GB) will I be able to add 2 more in the future if I later felt the need for 32GB or does it not work that way? I watched Linus' video about that actually but I'm still not sure that I fully understand.

[Overlandr]

I would go for the 16GB of 2 now as you will not get any extra performance from quad and it would be possible to add an extra 16GB in the future if you wanted to. If you are using this for gaming it would make no difference if you changed the speed of it anyway.

[Overlandr]

And would you be overclocking the 6700K?

[Gabby2805]

1 minute ago, Overlandr said:

I would go for the 16GB of 2 now as you will not get any extra performance from quad and it would be possible to add an extra 16GB in the future if you wanted to. If you are using this for gaming it would make no difference if you changed the speed of it anyway.

Yes, I'm trying to go for a 4K gaming build.

 

Thank you so much for your help. I think I will definitely go for dual-core and I will keep all of your kind advice in mind

[Overlandr]

1 minute ago, Gabby2805 said:

dual-core

Do you mean dual kit? What graphics cards do you have or which are you going to get? Because 4K is some serious stuff.

[Gabby2805]

1 minute ago, Overlandr said:

And would you be overclocking the 6700K?

Its something I would consider in the near future definitely. I think I will be too scared to mess with anything for at least the first few months but if I found out enough information on how to do it safely then I will probably try it eventually.

[Overlandr]

It is fairly easy. Have a look at this: 

 

[Gabby2805]

Just now, Overlandr said:

Do you mean dual kit? What graphics cards do you have or which are you going to get? Because 4K is some serious stuff.

haha yes of course, didn't mean dual-core! 

 

I'm going to get a GTX 980Ti to start with. I know that won't be enough to play games such as modded Skyrim in 4K but I would then save up for another card to SLI. I suppose I'm just building the foundations and ensuring I can add future building blocks. I've made sure I have enough room and power for a second card too.

[Gabby2805]

Aww bless you, thanks for sharing the video. You are very helpful! I'll definitely check that out at some point

[Overlandr]

If you are going to make a high end 4K rig, it might be worth waiting for Pascal as they will perform better than the GTX980Ti now.

[Gabby2805]

Does the speed of the RAM matter for gaming? Should I get more than 2400MHz?

[Overlandr]

If you are going to drop a bunch of money and you have been saving up for a while.

[Overlandr]

And you will need a 4K monitor as well which cost quite a bit as well.

[Gabby2805]

1 minute ago, Overlandr said:

If you are going to make a high end 4K rig, it might be worth waiting for Pascal as they will perform better than the GTX980Ti now.

I suppose thats something to consider but probably not something I could afford! haha

[Gabby2805]

Just now, Overlandr said:

And you will need a 4K monitor as well which cost quite a bit as well.

Yes I'm aware of that, Im planning on getting the Samsung U24E590D 24-Inch LED 4K Monitor.

 

Thats on a bit of a sale right now too for £298