1 8GB RAM or 2 4GB RAM | One or Multiple RAM?

You may think that 2 4 GB RAM is equal to 1 8 GB RAM. Mathematically, it is true, but there is a huge difference in the world of computers. There are lots of advantages and disadvantages depending on whether you use 2 4 GB RAM or 1 8 GB.

It is common for you to get confused about whether you should use two 4 GB RAM or one 8 GB RAM on your computer. But you will be surprised to know that multiple RAM sticks are often better than using one RAM stick.

However, it also depends on the task that you want to do using the RAM. Don’t worry, all your confusion will be vanished after reading this article; because we are going to compare both 2 4 GB RAMs and 1 8 GB RAM here to help you find the answer.

So, let’s dive into this article to learn more in detail.

Mechanism of RAM

Before going any further, it is necessary to learn how RAM works on a computer and if you know this, it will be clear to you why multiple RAM is better than a single RAM. So, let’s read this section carefully.

RAM stores data of programs temporarily on its memory and when you run the program on your computer, it delivers the stored data quickly to the processor. How fast the program will respond completely depends on how fast the RAM can communicate with the CPU.

1 8GB RAM or 2 4GB RAM – Which One Is Better Depends on Some Factors?

If you want to add 8 GB of RAM to your computer, then there are three options in your hand depending on the available slots on the motherboard.

You can either add one 8 GB RAM stick or add two 4 GB RAM sticks to your motherboard. Again. If your motherboard has 4 slots, then you can add four 2 GB RAMs to achieve 8GB RAM.

But which one is suitable for your computer and with which option, you can achieve the best performance? Well, it depends on some factors which are discussed here briefly.

1. Which Channel Does the Motherboard Support?

A motherboard can support single-channel, dual-channel, or quad-channel to make communication between the RAM and the processors.

In a single channel, the RAM communicates with the CPU through a single path, and in a double channel, the RAM uses two individual paths to establish communication with the CPU.

If your motherboard doesn’t support dual-channel, the communication will establish through a single path. So, if you add 2 4GB RAM, then two RAMs will use the same path to communicate with the processor and due to excessive traffic, the speed will be reduced.

So, it is better to use 1 8 GB RAM if your motherboard supports single-channel. However, if your motherboard has the dual-channel feature, then you obviously go for the 2 4 GB RAM stick to get the better bus speed.

2. How Many RAM Slots Are Available on the Motherboard?

Another factor that you should concern about is the RAM slots. Some motherboards have 2 slots for RAM and some have 4 slots.

If your motherboard has 4 RAM slots, then you can add 2 4 GB RAMs on 2 slots and the rest of the 2 slots will remain empty. In this case, you will be able to upgrade your RAM in the future.

On the other hand, if your motherboard, has only 2 RAM slots and you add 4 GB RAM to each slot, then it is a disadvantageous one and it is better to add one 8 GB RAM in this situation.

3. What Will the RAM Be Used For?

Whether you need 2 4 GB RAM or 1 8 GB RAM depends on the work you will do on your computer.

For example, if you are a gamer or a professional graphics designer, then you need to add 2 4 GB RAM to your motherboard to process these heavy tasks.

But if you are a general user and use your computer to browse websites or check emails, then 1 8 GB RAM is enough for you.

RAM Advantages and Disadvantages of 1 8GB RAM vs 2 4GB

Let us make the argument clear by distinguishing the pros and cons of using one 8 GB RAM or two 4 GB RAM.

	Advantages	Disadvantages
1 8 GB RAM	You can use the other 2 slots for future upgrades of RAM.	You can’t run heavy programs smoothly.
You don’t have to bear the cost of two RAM sticks.	You’ll get lower FPS during playing games.
Good for single-channel.
2 4 GB RAM	The programs will run faster.	Not advantageous for two slots.
Memory bus speed will increase.	Not work for single-channel.
Able to play games in higher FPS.	Costlier than the other option.

After analyzing the advantages and disadvantages and knowing all the factors described above, it’s up to you whether you go for one 8 GB RAM or two 4 GB RAM on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Better to Use 2 or 4 RAM Slots?

If the motherboard of your computer has 4 RAM slots, then it is better to use 2 of them so that you can upgrade with more RAMs in the future if it needs. The same thing goes for a motherboard with only 2 RAM slots.

Suppose, the motherboard supports up to 32 GB of RAM and has 4 slots. Then you can use 8 GB on each slot as there is no option for the future upgrade on this motherboard.

Is It Better to Have 2 8 GB or 1 16GB?

The accurate answer to this question is – “It depends”.

If your motherboard supports dual-channel, 2 RAM slots, and you don’t need any upgrade of RAM in the near future, then you should obviously go for 2 8GB. But if your motherboard doesn’t support dual-channel, then 1 16 GB is better.

Which One is Better – 4 4 GB RAM or 2 8 GB RAM?

We suppose your motherboard supports dual-channel, has 4 RAM slots, and is upgradeable up to 16 GB RAM. In this case, you must use 4 4 GB RAM. But if the motherboard supports more than 16 GB Ram, then you can add 2 8 GB and leave the remaining slots for future upgrades.

Is It Better to Have 2 RAM Cards or 1?

If your motherboard supports dual channels, then 2 RAM is the perfect configuration for your PC. But if your motherboard has a single-channel, then you’ll get no advantages using 2 RAM cards. So, you should go for 1 RAM in this situation.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the concept of using one 8GB Ram and two 4GB Ram is clear to you after reading this article. You can now choose any option between these two based on the slots, channels supported by your motherboard, and the task you are going to do with your computer. If you have any other suggestions or are still confused, then please leave a comment in our comment section below and we will reply to you as soon as possible.