Upgrade G.Skill Ripjaws DDR5 from 32GB to 64GB memory.
Upgrade G.Skill Ripjaws DDR5 from 32GB to 64GB memory.
I recently installed my DDR5 system, i7 14700K, Z790 LiveMixer, and G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series (Intel XMP 3.0) RAM with 32GB (2x16GB) at 6000MT/s CL30-40-40-96 1.35V. I’m considering adding another 2 sticks to reach 64GB just in case future availability is uncertain. I want to be prepared for gaming needs in the next few years, since we used 16GB a while back and now prefer 32GB. The current sticks weigh about 110 pounds; if I wait for a fresh 64GB set, the price should stay similar. Regarding XMP, DDR5 supports it, and both CPU and motherboard can handle multiple sticks at XMP speeds.
I focused on ensuring long-term viability since this system will remain active for at least six years. My usage mainly involves playing games, doing light editing, and using small VMs. I anticipate future games requiring more than 32GB of RAM, which means upgrading to 64GB would cost more. I expect the current setup won’t last much longer, around four years.
It's likely to become more affordable since DDR5 will only keep improving. Take DDR4 as an example—it's nearing its decade mark, yet 32GB units are available for $50. Still, with DDR5 priced around $90 and additional options like 6000 CL30, the price drop might be limited. If you're willing to invest, go for it; otherwise, stick with what fits your needs.
if you run 4 sticks there's a chance they won't work at full 6000Mhz speeds, it's best to stick with 2 sticks, not to mention there's really like no exponential increase in RAM usage when it comes to new games, despite new games requiring more and more performance, eventually they'll hit a wall where people simply won't buy their game out of the pure fact that most of them wouldn't run it well, so worrying about games capping 32GB could be far distant future problems, not to mention how easy it is to replace ram, or the fact that RAM always, and I mean basically always gets cheaper every year, so why upgrade now?
In 2017 I purchased a 2x8 DDR4 kit for $170, followed by another one for $130 the next year. In October 2022 I invested $180 in a DDR5 2x16 and now it's worth $110? Don't commit to things you don’t need right now, just in case things change. The G skill will continue producing RAM for many years. I’m holding my breath, you should be too. Plus, let the memory controllers improve—they still have problems with 4 sticks, and selling your current setup to buy a 2x32GB one is a hassle.