Upgrade from 32GB to 64GB advice
Upgrade from 32GB to 64GB advice
Hello everyone, I own a Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3200MHz CL16. I’m thinking about upgrading to 64GB. Should I purchase another pair of 2x16GB units with the same specs, or should I replace the old ones and buy a new 64GB package? Also, Asus Maximus Xiii hero i9 11900k – what’s the best approach?
You can replace your existing RAM slots with additional ones if you plan to upgrade to 128GB later, provided your CPU and motherboard allow it. You can install two 32GB sticks for dual-channel performance, or if your motherboard supports quad channels, add another pair of 16GB sticks. It's advisable to match the speed and latency (CL16) for stability, though using a different brand is possible as long as it maintains the same latency.
No consumer board currently offers quad channel support. The Asus Maximus Xiii hero is an exception—it doesn’t. Having four slots doesn’t guarantee quad channel; it just means two sticks per channel on a dual-channel setup like this. Using four sticks can strain the CPU’s IMC, which may prevent XMP from running at higher speeds. In such cases, two sticks perform better than four.
I mentioned things that aren’t typical and everyone reacts. Thanks for your patience.
Edited November 4, 2023 by WackySpace
You can purchase another 2x16 if it matches the same model, though success isn't assured. It could also function with another model, but I wouldn’t want to take the risk and it would look unappealing. Would replacing your old unit save you more than buying a new one? At least you avoid the hassle of handling four sticks with DDR5.
Compare the exact model and check the RAM stick details to identify its version number.
I aim to save on this PC now since I plan to upgrade it next year. At the moment, I require 64GB of RAM, and maintaining the same performance makes the current model the ideal choice.
It's the most affordable choice, not the top one. The optimal solution is to purchase a fresh 2x32GB unit.
I plan to add two more RAM modules. If the performance remains unchanged, I’ll keep them. Otherwise, I can opt to exchange them for two new 32GB units from the same store.