Let's talk about RAM and compatability

[silba93]

Hi guys

Recently been looking around for pc parts and noticed ddr4 ram prices are absolutely silly right now. I need 32gb since i currently have 16gb and im maxing out just doing casual stuff. So i've had the idea to buy a 1x16gb stick which i can afford then later on buy the exact same brand/model 1x16gb when i can afford it.

I know the default copypasta for this is "hurhurrr can't do that m9 compatabiltieiz m9" with absolutely no explanation.

I'd like some evidence to support this since before i was a 'real' pc builder i always mixed and matched ram even different brands and the worst that has ever happened to me in 10 years is all the ram slowed down to the lowest speed ram i added which isn't even a bad thing since it's expected and completely up to me.

I'll accept anecdotes, if you bought the exact same model of ram and it didn't work i'd like to know but i'd also like something a bit more concrete or even some statistics. This is a £300 decision so i don't really want to rely on the default copypasta replies.

[NelizMastr]

Single channel memory will work fine, as long as memory heavy workloads aren't part of your routine and you have a dedicated graphics card for playing games. It's pretty much that simple. Nothing wrong with running a single stick.

[silba93]

2 minutes ago, NelizMastr said:

Single channel memory will work fine, as long as memory heavy workloads aren't part of your routine and you have a dedicated graphics card for playing games. It's pretty much that simple. Nothing wrong with running a single stick.

Yes, im well aware of this hence my decision but what i need to know is some statistics or any evidence at all regarding adding another stick at a later date that wasn't sold as a 'kit'.

[NelizMastr]

4 minutes ago, silba93 said:

Yes, im well aware of this hence my decision but what i need to know is some statistics or any evidence at all regarding adding another stick at a later date that wasn't sold as a 'kit'.

It's not like you can't buy that same module / part later on so compatibility isn't that big of a deal. Mixing and matching different speeds and designs is mostly a cosmetic thing and might cause a slight decrease in performance.

 

If you're looking for real in-depth analysis, you're looking at the wrong forum. Lol.