Buying DDR4 DIMMs separately vs as a kit

[Goi]

Hi,

I'm in the process of finalizing my new PC build specs, and I'm looking to buy 2x16GB DDR4 DIMMs. I was just thinking of getting the cheapest I can find where I am, which are 2x16GB Crucial PC4-19200/2400MHz ones. These can be bought separately and are not as part of a dual-channel kit package. I'm assuming there won't be any problems running 2 separate (not in a kit) but otherwise identical DDR4 DIMMs in a dual channel setup?

Thanks.

 

[VirtualLarry]

There CAN be problems, if not bought in a "tested together" kit, though rare.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

These can be bought separately and are not as part of a dual-channel kit package. I'm assuming there won't be any problems running 2 separate (not in a kit) but otherwise identical DDR4 DIMMs in a dual channel setup?

The problem is that you can't be guaranteed getting identical DIMMs if you buy them separately. Because what a retailer has in store might be from different production batches. With differing sub-timings, and in some cases different dies. A kit is tested and guaranteed by the manufacturer to work together. Its really a question how much that is worth to you. One can spend plenty of time trying to hunt down obscure memory errors after all.

It might work, and indeed there is little reason why it should not, but why take chances when kits are pretty much identical to two separate DIMMs in price?

 

[EXCellR8]

it will probably be fine but I always instruct customers and friends to order 2 DIMMs at a time... the cost difference is also minuscule and you might as well use identical sticks if possible. every single computer I own at the moment has 2 identical sticks, including the laptops.

 

[Goi]

I would if the cost difference is miniscule, except it's not where I am. The kits are generally higher end fancy modules. The cheapest 2x16GB kits I can get here are the G.Skill RipJ-V 2400MHz CL15, Kingston HyperX Predator 2400MHz, and the Corsair LPX 2400MHz CL14, and these cost more with their fancy heatsinks, which I don't need. I just need basic RAM.