1 kit vs 2 kits combined

[Munki]

So I've been wondering about this for a while (since my current set up is the latter)...Does it really matter?

I've currently got 8GB (2x4GB) of G.Skill Ripjaws X, but want to get 16GB all up. What risks do I really run if I simply purchase another 8GB kit (2x4GB - provided they're the same) and add it onto my current kit? Or would it be best to sell my current ram and go with the one set kit?

I figured though if I sold the 2x4GB kit, I could then go to 2x8GB to get 16GB and leave open 2 slots for future upgrades (if I ever need 32GB)...But it'd obviously be cheaper if I could just get another 2x4GB set.

[AudioFX]

No risks as far as I know.

[zero_velocity]

As stated, no risks to worry about there mate... especially if you get an identical kit.

Also, unless you know for a fact you need 16Gb+, then 16gb would be enough for now and presumably a long time, when the day comes that you infact need 32gb or more, it will more than likely be that 32gb kits will be dirt cheap or it will be time for a whole new computer

[Acesi7]

Originally Posted by zero_velocity

As stated, no risks to worry about there mate... especially if you get an identical kit.

Also, unless you know for a fact you need 16Gb+, then 16gb would be enough for now and presumably a long time, when the day comes that you infact need 32gb or more, it will more than likely be that 32gb kits will be dirt cheap or it will be time for a whole new computer

Yup, I've run multiple identical kits together before without issue, even performed well under O/C conditions.

And unless you are running VM's or similar 16gb is plenty for the current state of systems IMHO, and as stated prices will come down every day you wait to upgrade. So if you don't need it stick to 16gb's it is plenty for most things. Even a few VM's

Also, DDR4 2013-14...

[Wozzernux]

RAM is dirt cheap so buy buy buy! The only real issue is if you run two kits of different speeds, sometimes your mainboard won't like it. As long as you run the same speed RAM for all kits (different brands should not even matter) you'll be fine.

I've been running two identical 4GB kits of Kingston HyperX T1 DDR2 for nearly two years and haven't had any issues

[Munki]

Thanks for the replies guys. I figured that might be the case. My dominator setup in my sig were two different kits and I could never get them all running at 1066 (rated). I've always run them at 800... Might be the board limiting it and/or me not pushing the NB volts enough, but it was a pain.

So apparently with the Sandy Bridge boards I can just enable XMP for them to all run at their rated specs? Sorry for the questions, I have yet to put the system together so want to make sure it'll all be compatible before I do so.

Also in regards to needing 16GB+, I do use the computer for 3D rendering and intensive Photoshop, so I think it'll definitely help. However, whether or not I'd need more than 16GB I have yet to test. I know I definitely need more than 8GB.

[garnet]

i am running 2x 2x2
when i still have 1366 i ran 3 sticks from 3 kits in tri channels

no risk at all

[Rory K]

EDIT: Nevermind, I can't read apparently... /facepalm