Hi, I need some help to select RAM for my AMD B450 mATX gaming motherboard.
I currently have 16gb (2x8gb) installed. I would like to have at least another 16gb. Can I buy another 16gb stick and leave one slot for later on? I use Adobe photoshop for work but no gaming.
Thanks in advance.
Yes, you can buy another 16GB stick and leave one slot open for future upgrades, as long as the new RAM stick is compatible with your motherboard.
When selecting RAM, it's important to check the specifications of your motherboard to ensure that the new RAM stick is compatible in terms of speed and capacity.
In the case of your AMD B450 mATX gaming motherboard, it supports DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 64GB, and a maximum speed of 3200MHz. So you should look > for a DDR4 RAM stick with a speed of 3200MHz or lower and a capacity of 16GB.
It's also a good idea to choose a RAM stick from a reputable brand, as well as one with a lifetime warranty to ensure reliability and peace of mind.
Lastly, if you plan on using Adobe Photoshop for work, having more RAM will help improve your system's performance and overall efficiency.
Using 3 RAM slots instead of 4 in a dual-channel configuration can result in slightly lower performance, but the difference may not be noticeable in real-world usage scenarios.
Dual-channel memory architecture requires pairs of identical memory modules to be installed in matching memory slots, with each channel having its own set of slots. In a 4-slot configuration, you can use two identical pairs of RAM sticks, with one pair in each channel, to achieve dual-channel memory.
If you have only three RAM slots, you can still achieve dual-channel memory by installing two identical RAM sticks in the first two slots, which will use the first channel, and then install a single RAM stick in the third slot, which will use the second channel.
However, using three RAM sticks instead of four in a dual-channel configuration may result in slightly lower performance due to the way dual-channel memory works. When two identical RAM sticks are used in dual-channel mode, they can access data simultaneously, which can result in faster data transfer rates. In contrast, if a third, non-identical RAM stick is added to the mix, it may not be able to operate at the same speed as the other two, and this can cause the memory controller to revert to single-channel mode, which may result in slightly lower performance.
In summary, using three RAM slots instead of four in a dual-channel configuration may result in slightly lower performance, but the difference may not be noticeable in real-world usage scenarios. If you have a choice, it's generally better to use four RAM slots with identical pairs of RAM sticks for optimal dual-channel memory performance.
Friendly PA: its all at your fingertips https://chat.openai.com/chat
edit:wording
Whas that the response from Chat GPT? Because that's reasonably impressive.
Indeed. Ive asked two questions, first was OP's text and the reply ends with "Using 3 RAM slots" paragraph. Then I followed with a simple "wouldn't using 3 ram slot be less efficient then 4 slots in dual configuration?" to stay relevant.
Crazy…
@Steakz: (apologies OP for off topic) Another exceptional example I've seen:
Plan me a family holiday to melbourne for 5 days.
Thanks for giving me a human answer😀
in the good scenario, you inserted a new stick of single 16G, and the memory chip on the new stick happen to be compatible with the memory chip on your original sticks.
If the ODT (on die termination) on the memory chip also happen to work perfectly, you should insert the 16G in slot 2, the 2*8G in slot 3/4. This way you get perfect balanced dual channel.
if the ODT act weird(causing BSOD, no boot, occasionally doesn't boot etc), you can insert the RAM like 8G-Slot2, 16G-Slot3, 8G-Slot4
You will get a unbalanced dual channel, meaning once you run over 16G capacity, the rest 16G have only got half bandwidth means inconsistent performance.
in the slightly worse scenario
you buy a stick of RAM, its not compatible, you return the RAM with a opened package, and got a refund.
in an even worse scenario
you buy a stick of RAM, its not compatible, you are unable to return it (as the store don't require to refund you once the package is open and nothing is wrong with the product —— it doesn't need to be compatible with a random pair of other ram, they don't need to refund as long as it work by itself)
in the worst scenario
with that stick of RAM that you can't refund, you trying to buy another stick of the same, and all of the single stick with the same product number happen to be using some other memory chip (yes, all ram manufacturer uses all sorts of different memory chip under the sun, as long as it's within spec, and it doesn't need to be compatible with other stick of the same product code)
long story short (TLDR): buy a kit of 16G*2 and forget about the 8G*2 you've got.
forget about the 8G*2 you've got.
can sell it on facebook etc. you will not get a lot but something is better
new one's like $70?
maybe you can get rid of it for $40 or something..
Thanks everyone (incl uncle Chat GPT. I will buy 2x16GB.
Uncle Chat GPT has promised to buy the old RAM.
His advice is the following:
Money: If you need some extra cash, selling your RAM can be an easy way to earn some money. Depending on the age and condition of your RAM, you may be able to sell it for a decent price.
Dual channel is always recommended. You'll benefit more from an additional 2x8GB instead of 1x16GB stick. Unlikely to need more than 32 GB for Photoshop or even most gaming in future.
Make sure the new RAM specs are equal or exceed the current ones, else leaving performance on the table as they match the lowest spec.