Proposed Build ~$4k
Proposed Build ~$4k
A long time passes when considering these options. The recommended path seems to be around 3 or 4 years. Using 8 is not ideal, as it's too limited and may not last. A 16GB model is barely sufficient and tends to fill up quickly, while 32GB is unlikely to be filled easily. Professional needs usually require 32GB, not for gaming purposes. The 24GB option sits in between, but only if the 2x12 kit performed exceptionally well. 48GB offers another middle ground, though it's far from ideal and comes with many restrictions. Looking ahead three to four years, high RAM consumption could rise from 16GB to about 20-24GB, still not reaching 32GB. Reaching 64GB might take a decade and could mean DDR6 or even DDR7 would be necessary. At the moment, I wouldn't suggest going for 64GB. It's a waste of time, and I'm sharing this because I personally found a 2x32 kit under $200 to be a solid choice.
Advice is merely guidance; people can disregard it or proceed independently. My point is simply to highlight why this isn't a favorable path.
If the goal was just to double the RAM without exceeding double the cost, it would have been straightforward. But there are important considerations and caveats. The original choice was a 6400MHz kit, which is usually supported for 16GB sticks but rarely works for 32GB. Lower latency isn't guaranteed either. Investing in this could lead to a product that doesn't function properly.
Using the system for heavy tasks like large file editing or browsing many tabs (768 open) consumes significant RAM. While having extra RAM is beneficial, it's not the only factor—other threads and forum discussions confirm this.
TL;dr
32GB remains adequate, 48GB is an option if you're certain about compatibility, but verify before purchasing large sticks.
@Why_Me
Because x4 tends to be cheaper. Higher density sticks usually cost way more. Also I think in tests online the system is more likely to use physical RAM instead of the page with multiple dimms. Why that is I don't know but it showed a few fps more. A few may not sound alot but when it's the difference between a stable even number like say 58 vs 60, it matters IMO.
@35below0
That's correct that 48GB is enough, but assuming we're talking DDR5, DDR5 sizes can be inconsistent. Sometimes new kits come in odd numbers, other times they're multiples of 8GB. In the case of 8GB, finding a third dimm and making sure it's in the same bin can be really challenging.
I was considering 2x24 kits, such as the one from G.Skill:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Wm...dr...4gx2-tz5rk
Around $200 it's close to the cost of some 2x32 kits, yet it delivers impressive performance at 6400 mhz CL32.
The main challenge is finding a motherboard that can handle that configuration. I've observed that high-speed 24Gb sticks are more commonly supported than 32Gb ones, which helps.
Are you thinking about using 3x16 Gb instead?
I believe memory controllers usually manage well with just two sticks, and mixing an odd number of sticks could be tricky.
This was really interesting. I went through a lot of reading about it! I understand the goal, you managed to save $1000 without making too big of a change. I think I'd like a case that looks a bit more... eye-catching, but I get what you were aiming for. I'm still learning a lot and really appreciate the effort you put in. Thanks!