RAM Question

Question

Hey guys, I hope you all have been well. I don't know much about computers, so I apologize in advance for the noob questions, but I would really appreciate help/opinions if anyone has time. I am trying to decide weather to pick 16 or 32 GB of RAM for my Alienware desktop It is the HyperX 3200 Mhz. I'd prefer just buying 16 GB and adding more myself, as it is a lot cheaper that way. My questions though are.  The 16 GB or RAM option is a single channel 16 GB stick. The 32 GB RAM is 'Dual Channel', so it is 2 16 GB sticks? So if I choose a single channel, 16 GB option, and after I get the computer buy 1 more 16 GB stick, will that make me have Dual channel 32 GB of ram, making it the same as if i picked the 32 gb option when buying the computer? Or since I chose 1 single channel 16 GB stick, and buy another one myself and add it, it wont be dual channel and not as good? Will it be faster buying the comp at 32 GB dual channel, compared to  buying 16 GB single channel, and adding another 16 GB stick? Or is it the exact same thing? Sales rep is telling me otherwise, and it wont be as fast that way. I think because he wants to sell me the 32 GB one. Sorry for the noob questions but I don't know much about computers and I appreciate your time and help guys.

JOcean · Answer

Whether you buy 2 16GB sticks of RAM or buy the system with 16 GB then add 16 GB yourself, it will still run in dual channel. The ideal situation is to buy 32 GB at the same time then they will be a matched pair. But as long as you buy quality RAM that has the same frequency and timing (the same manufacturer is even better) you should be fine. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/326321-30-single-memory-dual-channel

Jamemamone · Answer

Hey thanks for replying so fast, and clearing that up for me.

I originally wanted to do what I asked about in the OP, (Selecting 16 GB of the 3200 HyperX and just adding 16 more GB) but I just think I thought of a better idea that actually would be even cheaper then what I thought of before, and I want to ask if this will work, and if so, what your (Or anyone else reading this) opinion is about going this route:

What about just selecting the cheapest option when buying the comp: 16GB Dual Channel DDR4 at 2666MHz; up to 64GB (additional memory sold separately)

When I buy the computer, then buying a 32 GB kit (16x2 sticks) found here

https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Technology-HyperX-HX426C16FBK2-32/dp/B07BJJLW1M?th=1

Is that a good/better option? If I select the 16 GB dual channel 2666 when i buy it, which i assume is 2 8gb sticks) can I just take those out, and replace it with 2 16 GB sticks of the 2933 or 3200 mhz, resulting in me having 32 gb of dual channel? Or by me selecting 16gb dual channel (2 8 gb sticks) when I buy the comp, prevent me from being able to do that?

Also what do you think of that brand? It seems to be the same brand dell uses for their 2933 and 3200 mhz option? so it would be the same kind if i chose to just go with the 16 gb 3200 from the start, and add 16 gb of this brand? And also can you recommend a better brand compatible with the R8? From what I read this one is good and will work

*Edit* - I suppose I should also just ask: What course of action would you take/what do you think is the best option? Also, can you (or anyone else reading this) think of/recommend a better option I have not thought of?

Thanks again everyone

mp_108 · Answer

I don't see model mentioned.    If it is aurora r7 then fastest ram it can make use of is 2933, so no benefit buying anything faster.

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