16GB RAM : 2 x 8GB or 4 x 4GB ?

[mascip]

Hello all,

what is best, to get 16GB RAM :
2 x 8GB, or 4x 4GB ?
Does it make any difference in terms of speed ?

I'm planning on getting an i5-3570K processor, with an Asus Maximus V GENE motherboard, cooled by a NH-C14 heatsink, and i want 16GB of 1600MHz RAM.

To be sure that it fits under the NH-C14 heatsink, i'm thinking of getting low profile RAM, so i was thinking about one of these two kits :
2 x 8GB
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-347-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=
2 x 4GB (i would get 2 of these)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-307-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=

Another possibility is to get quad channel RAM, but i'm guessing it's not useful, as my processor memory controller is only Dual Channel.

 

[Hudzy]

Quad channel memory is just four sticks tested together and put in the same box, no different to dual channel. It's the motherboard that makes the difference as you say, but if it's cheaper to buy a quad channel set over two dual channels then go for that. I bought a quad channel package of that same memory you're looking at for less than the two dual sets would have cost.

There's no performance issues regarding using two or four sticks either, it's going to come down to whether or not you want room to upgrade again later.

 

[cmndr_andi]

As Hudzy says, it is the mothrboard that determines how many memory channels you can use. With the Maximus V Gene (and all LGA1155 boards) the maximum number of memory channels is two (dual channel). Therefore, even if you buy a "quad channel" kit then the modules will still run in dual channel mode.

As for which to go for, I would personally go for the 2x8GB kit - as it costs almost the same as the 2x4GB kits in total, performs as well and gives you the option to easily add more memory in the future if it is needed.

 

[Surveyor]

As for which to go for, I would personally go for the 2x8GB kit - as it costs almost the same as the 2x4GB kits in total, performs as well and gives you the option to easily add more memory in the future if it is needed.

mascip, remember that if you want to add more RAM in the future then with Windows 7 64 bit (which I assume you'll be using) the Home Premium edition can only use 16GB.

To use more than 16GB you'd need the 64 bit Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate editions.

 

[mascip]

Thank you, all of you !
Now i know what to get

I am thinking of running a headless (no GUI) 64bits Debian Squeeze on this machine, which would run a few virtual machines (1 or 2GB RAM each).