Consider using three RAM sticks for better performance and stability.
Consider using three RAM sticks for better performance and stability.
For your OptiPlex, adding two extra 4GB DDR4 RAM sticks inside the existing 8GB stick would likely cause a significant performance drop. You should place the new RAM in the appropriate slots—typically the DIMM slots on the motherboard—depending on the specific model and configuration.
It would offer hybrid mode functionality, maintaining similar performance at best. Below 8GB RAM you'd experience dual channel, provided the 2x4GB stays in the main slots. Usually the slot furthest from the CPU is labeled A1, though confirm your OptiPlex model manual to identify A1 and B1. The 8GB should fit into A2, which is probably irrelevant.
It sounds like you're trying to figure out the best storage setup. Using a mix of 8GB and 4GB sticks gives you 12GB total, but 16GB would offer more space if needed.
He explains that using two sticks of RAM in the correct slots allows them to operate in dual-channel mode. Adding a third stick means it will be the exception, not participating in dual-channel (for example, 2 x 2GB, 2 x 4GB, 2 x 8GB). In this setup, the two 4GB sticks would run together, while the single 8GB stick would run alone. The performance gain would be minimal—barely perceptible in real-world use, only shown in tests. It’s better to maximize RAM quantity, even if it doesn’t drastically improve speed, rather than having less but extremely fast memory. This depends on your needs and how you use the computer. You probably won’t notice much difference, especially for everyday tasks like browsing, document editing, or email. You could always add more RAM later, allowing all sticks to work in dual-channel with a total of 24GB. Running things as they are now is usually acceptable.