Choose between 16GB DDR4 CL15 RAM and 32GB DDR4 CL19 RAM based on your needs.
Choose between 16GB DDR4 CL15 RAM and 32GB DDR4 CL19 RAM based on your needs.
I recently purchased a laptop with 1 stick of 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM. I'm looking for the most affordable and effective way to upgrade it to dual-channel for better overall performance, including gaming. I have three options or suggestions if you have more ideas. My focus is on finding the lowest CL number while balancing higher MHz, but this can be tricky on laptops. Options include: buying another 16GB CL19 RAM (total 2x16GB), getting 16GB CL15 RAM (two 8GB sticks), or installing a 16GB RAM module with increased MHz and improved timing (like 3000MHz CL18, though the laptop only supports 2666MHz).
The 2x8GB model is priced the same as the single 16GB version, so it doesn’t offer any advantage.
Your laptop seems to have just two expansion slots. Are you requiring 32GB of RAM? You might want the remaining 16GB in a DIMM. Do you think 16GB is enough for gaming? Consider getting a 2x8 configuration for quicker performance. Regardless, make sure the RAM you purchase is compatible with your laptop to avoid issues.
I transition from 3600mhz CL 18 2x8 units and when required for my needs a 2133mhz CL14 2x8 setup (then adjust to 4x8 sticks at 2666mhz CL18). There are only certain tasks that demand more than 16gb of RAM. If you own a Ryzen processor, yes dual-channel is essential or it will limit performance, though I suspect it already supports dual channels. For gaming purposes, my requirements are quite specific—large open worlds that can handle up to 16gb (excluding Windows 10 and multiple applications). Unless you're consistently using more than 16gb (I only list a couple of personal tasks and neither breaks the game), a jump to 32gb isn't necessary (though you're welcome to do it if you wish).
Nowadays it doesn't really matter which DDR4 SODIMM stick you choose—just verify the QVL for your laptop and pick something suitable. I could get an exact match even if it was my primary machine. Intel just posted a recent article, and it seems RAM doesn't affect gaming performance with their CPUs (unless you run out of memory, which is another issue).
Thanks! I’ll try getting another stick to assist with your laptop’s sleep and recovery while handling many Chrome tabs.