Place one 1x16 GB SSD in a quad channel configuration for improved performance.
Place one 1x16 GB SSD in a quad channel configuration for improved performance.
Hello, since I wasn’t able to find details via Google, I’ll be posting in the forum of my favorite YouTube channel. I’m planning to upgrade my PC soon and want to know more about this process. My upcoming build includes an MSI X99A with an I7-5930K processor, which supports Quad Channel because it has eight slots and is compatible well. I’m also upgrading from DDR3 to DDR4, so I’ll need a few new RAM sticks. I plan to start with one 16GB module and add more whenever possible. This setup will likely stay this way for about a month or two until I can expand further. Regarding Quad Channel, does it really boost performance only when using four RAM modules instead of two (like 2x16 or 4x8), or is there a better configuration? I’ll share my current configuration below. Thank you for all your help! Greetings from Germany!
It suggests using eight RAM modules to achieve quad-channel memory. 16GB per stick would be excessive for a typical gaming PC.
Quad channel means that the CPU has four, well, channels for data to be sent to and from the RAM. Full performance is achieved when using all of the channels, since that way the CPU can move as much info as possible. The only reason to not use as many RAM sticks as possible is if you think that you're going to fill all your RAM slots and still want more. in your case, no reason to not buy 2x8GB dimms, and then buy 2 more later to fill all 4 lanes. (8 slots total on your X99 boards) Why this CPU and not a 3700X?
Start with two 8GB modules in a single channel. Using dual channels significantly improves performance.
I verified it, and indeed four sticks suffice for quad-channel play, provided they fit correctly in the designated slots.
Your motherboard suggests using quad channel, but I’d only consider a single stick of RAM if you need a lot of memory soon and can’t get the right amount now. Most games don’t require more than 8 GB even when doubled. There’s a video by Linus explaining this, so feel free to go with 4 sticks unless you’re editing videos. Correction: I checked your manual and it actually supports dual channel, not quad. So stick with 2 sticks at 8 GB each.
I’m currently unable to inspect the mainboard directly. Could you clarify the available slots—whether it’s still using a 4-slot setup with one extra space, or if there are different configurations? Also, let me know the third-farthest slot you’re considering.