Question 2 X 8GB sticks vs 4 X 4GB sticks, performance vs cost trade-off?

[Magoober]

* Older Intel I3 motherboard has 4 memory slots
* The I3 can only run dual channel not quad
* Max memory is 16 GB
* 2 X 8 GB strips cost half what 4 X 4 GB strips do.
* So it's a question of savings vs balance across all 4 slots

Does anyone know which is more cost effective and/or gives better performance?

Thanks guys, new member here.

 

[UsandThem]

Just go with whatever is the cheapest, as there will be next to no difference between 2 modules vs. 4 modules.

 

[Magoober]

Thanks - I did some checking before you answered and my motherboard system manual said dual channel will work with 2 matched sticks in the blue slots, and use a matched pair in the 2 black slots.

Crucial told me not to use two 8GB, use four 4GB. I think they just prefer to sell me 4 memory sticks is all.

Never tried to add memory before, with the high price I wanted to be sure.

 

[UsandThem]

Thanks - I did some checking before you answered and my motherboard system manual said dual channel will work with 2 matched sticks in the blue slots, and use a matched pair in the 2 black slots.

Crucial told me not to use two 8GB, use four 4GB. I think they just prefer to sell me 4 memory sticks is all.

Never tried to add memory before, with the high price I wanted to be sure.

I guess the module size would depend on how old your system is. They could be telling you that because your motherboard can't handle 8Gb modules.

What motherboard or PC model do you have?