Question Dual channel vs more RAM

[rogerdv]

A few minutes ago a guy came here to my work and offered me a 4GB DDR4 very cheap. Currently, I have 8GB (in two dimms) and I would like to know if its worth to break my dual channel to get more RAM, or should I keep it. My PC is mostly for gaming and game development with Godot engine.

 

[damian101]

With the additional 4GB module memory bandwidth should continue to be at dual channel level, just not for the last 4GB.
I wouldn't expect any noticeable negative effect of adding a third memory module, especially not if it has similar or better frequency and timings.
Only exception might be the few workloads that are really sensitive to memory bandwidth, like gaming on an integrated GPU.

 

[IntelUser2000]

Dual channel is the easiest way to guarantee more performance.

Of course in your case it'll be a bit different.

If you add the extra 4GB it'll work like this:
First 8GB, or 4+4 works in dual channel mode
Last 4GB if it spills over will work as single channel

The difference especially in gaming can be large between single and dual channel: