Consider upgrading your RAM if it's slowing you down or if you're using multiple applications simultaneously.
Consider upgrading your RAM if it's slowing you down or if you're using multiple applications simultaneously.
I recently purchased a pre-assembled PC from a specialist retailer because it offered the best value after a decade away from gaming. If I had built one myself, I would have modified the motherboard, RAM, and power supply. However, considering my budget, it proved to be the optimal decision.
Build: i5 9400F from MSI, H310M Pro-VDH, plus MSI GTX 1660 SUPER™ VENTUS XS OC 1x16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX at 3000MHz. SSD: 2TB BarraCuda 450W Corsair vs. Corsair Carbide SPEC-04 TG.
I haven’t changed the motherboard or PSU yet, as I plan to upgrade CPU and GPU later. RAM seems straightforward to replace. If the existing RAM was dual-channel, I wouldn’t bother changing anything. But a single-channel setup worries me.
I’m weighing three options:
1. Keep it as-is.
2. Add another 16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX at 3000MHz (32GB would be too much, but dual-channel would help).
3. Buy two 8GB 2666MHz sticks for about £75 and sell the current one for around £50 to fund this upgrade.
I’m unsure if it’s worth any changes, but my assumption is RAM prices are stable now. My last build was for Crysis, so my experience might be outdated...
The difference between dual channel isn't substantial in practice. It's mostly a matter of personal preference. If you can sell your stick for more than 90% of what you'd pay for a 2x8GB setup, it might be worth considering, though it doesn't really impact real-world results.
In fact, I don't agree with @3rrant. Dual channel really matters. If you can afford it, the additional 16 GB would be worthwhile if you plan to keep the PC for a few years, especially since games are becoming more demanding. If you can trade it in, 2x 8 GB would be better, though extra memory is also useful—it depends on how much you're willing to spend.
This manual isn't fully current on a per-part component level, but it remains relevant overall: https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/1349-...?showall=1 There are programs that gain from dual channel, though most don't. In gaming specifically, it offers advantages on Ryzen systems, while Intel platforms see limited impact.
Based on years of use, you'll notice a clear impact when transferring files in explorer. It feels off, almost as if something is lacking. While opinions vary, I've seen older systems run smoothly with limited RAM while newer setups struggled with even modest resources. Not every program will gain from this, but in gaming you'll likely experience better performance and steadier gameplay overall. That's why it matters to me. For workstation tasks, the improvement is minimal.
Ensure you have solid evidence that water is wet. If you aim for optimal results, consider using dual channel.