The Ryzen processor benefits most from the higher-capacity RAM option.
The Ryzen processor benefits most from the higher-capacity RAM option.
You're considering testing your current RAM builds before upgrading. Given your setup, the Crucial Ballistix Sport LT (2x4GB) is a solid choice for benchmarking, as it offers decent performance without being too demanding. The HyperX Fury (2x8GB) provides more memory but may require careful handling to avoid stressing the existing RAM. Since you're cautious about risking damage, starting with the lower-capacity build is wise. Once you upgrade later, you can switch to the higher capacity model for better results.
It's generally better to opt for the larger capacity. Since your work involves heavy gaming and video editing, which both demand significant RAM, choosing more memory will improve performance. Regarding FPS, higher MHz RAM doesn't necessarily mean better gaming performance—FPS depends more on overall system speed and stability.
Are you competing at a high refresh rate? Then quicker RAM will make a difference. If you're playing above 1080p, your GPU might be the bottleneck and faster RAM won't help much. With a mid-range GPU, you're unlikely to notice performance gains from faster RAM, as FPS improvements usually come from more powerful GPUs.
I use a GTX 1080 with a 1440p, 144Hz display. The plan was to upgrade to a RTX 3060 Ti, but it might happen later. If I add faster RAM, will the frame rate change noticeably?
You might notice slight gains in CPU-heavy titles, though the benefits are minimal. For most users, it's better to opt for higher capacity instead. The discussion on Hardware Unboxed provides real examples—just note this advice applies to Zen 1 and remains largely consistent.