New PC Build - RAM Inquiry

[1soup]

Hey everyone,

 

I have a quick question about RAM that I can't seem to find the answer to anywhere.

 

If I can't afford to get a 2x8gb kit of ddr4, can I get a 2x4gb kit and add another 2x4gb kit later? Does the memory still need to match exactly? Brand, model, timings, etc. Or should I just find a way to afford the 2x8gb kit?

[Special Agent 星雨]

Just now, 1soup said:

Hey everyone,

 

I have a quick question about RAM that I can't seem to find the answer to anywhere.

 

If I can't afford to get a 2x8gb kit of ddr4, can I get a 2x4gb kit and add another 2x4gb kit later? Does the memory still need to match exactly? Brand, model, timings, etc. Or should I just find a way to afford the 2x8gb kit?

My understanding is that you should always match your ram brand/model/speed/timings, no matter if you use one, two or four sticks. Most motherboards comes with four RAM slots, so I'll assume whatever you have also has four. If you choose to go 2x4GB now and add another 2x4GB later, you'll leave yourself no room (after the 2nd 2x4GB sticks are installed) to upgrade. But if you get 2x8GB sticks now, you'll have two free RAM slots to add more RAM, which you probably don't need to, later on.

[rn8686]

Ideally try to mach speed and timings, but the faster ram will down clock to meet the slower. 

[Jurrunio]

Ryzen CPU or Intel CPU? They have different tactics to deal with budget problems

 

Ryzen performance is heavily affected by RAM frequency. If your mobo has 4 RAM slots, pick a fast 8gb set that has the lowest price. How to do that is beyond my explanation skills, so bear with my blurry explanation

 

Intel doesn't affect too much by RAM speed, so 2x4gb or 1x8gb that's the cheapest will do.