RAM: For 32 GB, 2x16 or 4x8?

From all that I see online, it sounds like 2x16 modules would be better as it doesn't make the memory controller work too hard, but I think the PC would look nicer with 4x8 (if I go RGB).

What do you guys think? Has anyone run both configurations?

2x16 allows for future expansion. I was 2x8 and added matching 2x16 with no issues...maybe at some point you'll want more?

2x16 allows for future expansion. I was 2x8 and added matching 2x16 with no issues...maybe at some point you'll want more?

I had that thought as well. 32 GB sounds like it's overkill for most gaming these days, but I wonder what the future holds? Only building with 32 as many have said DCS favors it on heavier MP missions.

I noticed remarkable improvements going from 16 up in DCS multiplayer...

You fly the Challenger 300?

I noticed remarkable improvements going from 16 up in DCS multiplayer...

 

You fly the Challenger 300?

Good to hear the performance increase is justified!

Good eye - yep, Challenger 300 and Lear 45. :)

I noticed remarkable improvements going from 16 up in DCS multiplayer...

was the improvement at load time or an fps increase while playing?

What chipset are you using?

If you are using Z170/270/370/390 or Ryzen you should use 2, as you have dual channel RAM.

If on threadripper or x299/399 for X series intel chips, go 4 sticks, as you have quad channel ram.

Btw - I love my 32gb or RAM.

Sorry, it'll be on a Z390 Aorus board, most likely. Posted my tentative build in another thread a bit ago.

32GB of RAM is fine for DCS but your right I just finished a 9600K/Asus Prime Z390 for my wife and it looks better with all 4 slots loaded. :)

I think people push the idea that only using 1 stick per channel allows for higher overclocking but the RAM I had was 4 * Corsair Vengeance 2666 which the mobo clocked at 2800 just by selecting XMP, and no I didn't argue with that. :D

Your call but keep in mind if you go the 2 by 16GB sticks now in 12 months time (or so) you may not be able to source the same spec RAM modules.

I don't think you get improvements in FPS with more RAM but for me DCS doesn't seem to access the HDD after it loads, you will get improvements with faster RAM

Your call but keep in mind if you go the 2 by 16GB sticks now in 12 months time (or so) you may not be able to source the same spec RAM modules.

Indeed. Specing proper additional RAM becomes more difficult over time. Even properly speced RAM can be an issue due to minor differences in the batch.

Good insight, FragBum/cichlidfan. I hadn't thought about sourcing the same modules again if I wanted to go up to 64 GB. Well, something to think about.

32GB of RAM is fine for DCS but your right I just finished a 9600K/Asus Prime Z390 for my wife and it looks better with all 4 slots loaded. :)

 

I think people push the idea that only using 1 stick per channel allows for higher overclocking but the RAM I had was 4 * Corsair Vengeance 2666 which the mobo clocked at 2800 just by selecting XMP, and no I didn't argue with that. :D

 

Your call but keep in mind if you go the 2 by 16GB sticks now in 12 months time (or so) you may not be able to source the same spec RAM modules.

 

I don't think you get improvements in FPS with more RAM but for me DCS doesn't seem to access the HDD after it loads, you will get improvements with faster RAM

It’s more of an issue if you’re using a quad channel capable chipset, but only 2 sticks. You would be leaving a lot of memory bandwidth on the table in that scenario.

Ryzen (first gen for sure) is still finicky about RAM, and definitely overclocks better with only 2 sticks, vice 4. Intel may be different, or you maybe got lucky :)

Also Ryzen users tend to go 3000+ on the memory since Ryzen likes fast RAM. Maybe that makes a difference in the 2v4 stick argument too.

Yes that's what I see, memory bandwidth whether by number of channels or raw through put can be a significant improvement for DCS.

where are you shopping for ram sticks???

I’ve never had a problem finding matching sticks for any of my pc’s or laptops. even 5 or 7 years later.

ebay is full of good gear and good prices and adding ram is no trouble at all.

where are you shopping for ram sticks???

 

I’ve never had a problem finding matching sticks for any of my pc’s or laptops. even 5 or 7 years later.

 

ebay is full of good gear and good prices and adding ram is no trouble at all.

If this was directed towards me, I'm doing all of my shopping on PCPartpicker, and then will just buy where the best price is. I think I'm just going to stick with my original plan of 2x16 3200. ;)

where are you shopping for ram sticks???

 

I’ve never had a problem finding matching sticks for any of my pc’s or laptops. even 5 or 7 years later.

 

ebay is full of good gear and good prices and adding ram is no trouble at all.

No matter where you shop, finding matching sticks is still hit or miss. Just because they work doesn't mean that your second set doesn't cause your first set to run at a lower level. Memory is a tricky thing.

was the improvement at load time or an fps increase while playing?

I think that load time has improved, but what is more important to me is that any stuttering or lag freezes that I experienced with 16Gb are completely gone. So, it can be a smooth experience through an entire multiplayer session. For me, no more pauses in the sim at the worst possible times. -----> fingers crossed for the future

Also, 32GB should be more than enough.... I purchased an additional 2x16 to add to my 2x8 because a. I think 32 is the new standard and b. if there turned out to be a compatibility issue with my existing ram, I would have been able to simply remove it and still have 32 total with the new 2x16 set.

All that said, I am not planning on rechecking with 16Gb, so some of my differences could also be the result of an improved DCS code.

If this was directed towards me, I'm doing all of my shopping on PCPartpicker, and then will just buy where the best price is. I think I'm just going to stick with my original plan of 2x16 3200. ;)

Does that site have tested compatibility data with specific MB - RAM combinations? I found info on this in my ASUS documentation.

In the case of my MB (Asus Z170 premium), the specific memory I have is only verified to be compatible when used in two of the four slots. They recommend certain brand/models with certain chips for use in all four slots, but I haven't had any issues using matching 2x16 + 2x8 filling all four slots.

Does that site have tested compatibility data with specific MB - RAM combinations? I found info on this in my ASUS documentation.

 

In the case of my MB (Asus Z170 premium), the specific memory I have is only verified to be compatible when used in two of the four slots. They recommend certain brand/models with certain chips for use in all four slots, but I haven't had any issues using matching 2x16 + 2x8 filling all four slots.

I don't know if the site has that kind of compatibility testing, but for the RAM/Mobo combos I'm considering I have checked the QVL lists and they're all good-to-go. Thanks for thinking of that though!

You got it. Sometimes I think the CL30 climbs better than a loaded DCS Hornet :)

You got it. Sometimes I think the CL30 climbs better than a loaded DCS Hornet :)

Haha, it very well may! Do you fly the 300 as well?

Haha, it very well may! Do you fly the 300 as well?

:thumbup: Contract pilot.

:thumbup: Contract pilot.

Awesome! I was just out to dinner with the other pilot I'm with, and we were just talking about contract stuff. Neither of us have ever done it.

What do you fly? Are you US-based? If you float through ICT, give me a shout.