As no single 1 x 12 GB DDR4 RAM sticks are available, 1 x 4 GB and another 1 x 8 GB are required to build a 12GB DDR4 2666 SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory ). However, combining separately brought sticks might not always work, or the best option there is.
12 GB DDR4 2666 SDRAM – Is It Better?
To build a 12GB DDR4 2666 Sdram on the dual-channel, you have to combine one 1 x 4 GB and another 1 x 8 GB as 4GB is the lowest size DDR4 the technology offers on a desktop platform. DDR4 2666’s bandwidth transfer rate is 21300 megabytes per second and does an impressive job to run smoothly on low voltage.
A 4 and 8 GB stick will run in ‘flex mode’, perform equivalent performance to about 8 GB (2x4GB) running in dual channel plus the extra 4 GB at the single channel. So getting 12 GB should be better than 2 x 4 GB. But note that combining sticks that weren’t bought together in a kit doesn’t always work, so there’s always a risk for that kind of setup.
However, if you have no choice but to go with the 12GB memory and are using onboard video, some BIOSes allow you to control how much memory you’re using. If this is an option for you set it to 4 GB. If that high isn’t available set it as high as it will go.
Future Expansion
For future upgrades and RAM expansion, 12GB is not much of a wise choice. As Dual Channel would work best with matched pairs of 2 RAM sticks, a 1 x 8 GB and 1 x 4 GB paired RAM won’t be more efficient than a 2 x 8 GB pair(if you’re planning on upgrading later). So, if your motherboard has 2 slots, it’s better to install a pair of RAM of the same frequency and memory.
As dual channel would work best with matched pairs of 2 RAM sticks, for a 16 GB configuration it’s better to have a 2 x 8 GB rather than a single 1×16 GB stick. For 4,6,8 slots you’d have to pair your RAMs in the associated color-coded slots for a performance boost.
To Conclude
To sum up, if you have the luxury to choose from 8 GB,12 GB, or a 16GB DDR4, it’s better to choose a 2 x 4 GB or a 2 x 8 GB configuration for memory boost and efficient future expansion. For light gaming and general works, 8GB and for mid-high level gaming and works 16GB setups are more than enough.
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