Quad Channel Kit vs Two Dual Channel Kits

[harmonics]

I am going to be building a new pc (for the first time) for gaming and video editing soon, so I am planning to get 16 gb of ram. Is there any advantage to getting a quad channel kit as opposed to two identical dual channel kits?

The quad channel kit I am looking at is this one (currently on sale):

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBRL

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231315

I am also considering getting two of this dual channel kit:

G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231461

The dual channel kit seems better because it is at a lower voltage. Is there any disadvantage to getting two dual channel kits instead of a quad channel kit?

Also, will I see much a performance difference between the two sets of ram (such as if I overclock the lower voltage kit) or should I just get the quad channel kit while it is on sale?

Thanks!

 

[Harvey]

The dual channel kit seems better because it is at a lower voltage. Is there any disadvantage to getting two dual channel kits instead of a quad channel kit?

The clock speed and timing specs are equal so they should (theoretically) give equal performance. Power = volts x amps (current) so the advantage of requiring lower voltage would mean each stick of RAM would require less total power... IF your motherboard supports 1.25 volt RAM.

It's always a good idea to check your motherboard maker's site for a list of compatible RAM before buying any of the components.

Hope that helps.

 

[harmonics]

Yes, that was helpful. Thank you!

I was thinking that maybe the two dual channel kits would not work together as well as a quad channel kit where (presumably) the memory is matched. The quad channel kit with 1.5 volt ram seems to be a better purchase because I could ensure compatibility with whichever motherboard I ultimately decide to get (and it's cheaper).

However, I am still considering waiting for Bulldozer, in which case I guess I should just hold off on buying any ram for the moment since Bulldozer supposedly uses DDR3-1866 ram natively.

 

[Neutralman]

Yes, that was helpful. Thank you!

However, I am still considering waiting for Bulldozer, in which case I guess I should just hold off on buying any ram for the moment since Bulldozer supposedly uses DDR3-1866 ram natively.

I'm waiting for bulldozer too now. Didn't know that about the ram though, hope its true, that would be sweet!

 

[Emulex]

lol memory is not matched. it's binned. they test a few pieces out of the batch production chips. why so much ram can be pushed beyond the rated spec.

two dual kits bought at the same time will be a quad kit. triple kits are just that- dual kits i've received many triple kit packages with 1 missing. fact is the single dimm is all that matters.

Matched in the sense made from same design/spec from the manufacturer is optimal but the mobo can handle less than optimal situations quite fine.