Should I get better memory or add memory?

Just got my new laptop and despite my ordering 2x8 GB memory for dual channel, they sent me 1x16 GB that run at single channel. I know I can complain to them and sent it back, but it took 5 weeks for me to get my laptop, so I'm not sending it back because I don't know how long that's gonna take before I get it back lol. I decided to just either add another 16gb RAM to make it dual channel or get a better memory 2x8 kit. I know the most logical answer is to get a 2x16 GB better kit but I can't afford that right now.

If I'm going to add 16GB it will be the same memory kit that came with the laptop, a Goldkey 16GB with 19 CL which sells around $70 in ebay. If I'm going with the better kit, it's 2x8GB Kingston HyperX Impact with a considerably faster 15 CL and a proven brand that sells around $85 in Amazon. (the 2x16 GB kit is $170 but amazon is out of stock and the used one they have is selling for $200 so nope). If I get the Goldkey one at least I have more memory albeit using an unproven brand and the speed's not great. If I get the 2x8 Kingston, I get better memory kit, but probably will have to upgrade again to 2x16 in a couple years or so.

So yeah... not sure which option is better xD

 

It would help if you said what laptop you have in first place

 

It's Sager NP8377

 

um...what speeds are we talking about here? just giving the CL without clocks doesnt mean anything

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Those CL run at the same 2666 which is why I made the comparison

 

aaaah, now were talking!

ok, following points are in order or importance with regards to RAM:

1) Total capacity: What's your usage case? Can you live with 16 GB or is that already getting tight? If the latter, then opt for 32 GB.
2) Single vs. Dual Channel: Basically double the speed. Do not, under any circumstances, go with single channel unless youre restricted by hardware (in that case: get a new machine, for god's sake!)
3) Bandwidth and Latency/Timings: They go hand in hand and depending on the application, either one or the other are more important for performance.

Answer 1) first, then go from there. Naturally, it would be good to know how tight your budget is. In general, it's a good time to buy RAM since prices are at a 3-4 year low right now.

Just going by the seat of my pants, I'd probably go for another 16 GB stick and then try to tighten up the timings on them. I'm pretty sure that at stock speeds you'll be able to reach CL17 going from the stock CL19... of course, only if your system actually allows you to do RAM tweaking...

 

I think 16GB is enough for now. I'm going to use it mostly for gaming (and AFAIK there's no game that actually uses 16GB for now). I didn't know that you could reduce latency xD. Just found a few guides on memory overclocking. If that works, then I guess I'll just get the additional 16GB cheap RAM to make it dual channel and just try to reduce its latency to speed it up a bit. Never tried messing with memory before, hope I don't break my new laptop haha. Thanks JayBee

 

memory tweaking is suuuuper finicky...and your windows install can get completely shot. also be sure to have easy access to your cmos battery, ull surely need to do a lot of bios resets when RAM tweaking

ive been tuning my new G.Skill RAM kit basically nonstop ever since I bought it 3 months ago in March, and im still nowhere close to finishing up

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Memory speed and timing (at least for gaming) aren't hugely significant. Back to back benchmarks between PC2666 and PC3066 speed memory nets results basically within margin of error. If that $70-170 kit of memory is worth another 1-3% FPS (maybe?) then by all means. Most people would tell you to save your money, or go with whatever option is cheapest that lets you run in dual channel mode.

I am running mis-matched Hynix and Micron module memory (2x16GB) PC2666 19-19-19-43 2T @ 1.2v that still overclocks to PC3066 18-18-18-43 1T @ 1.35v.

The Sager/Clevo laptops seem to allow a decent amount of tweaking.

 

Eh, I've decided to just get the 2x8 Kingston lol. They're better RAM to begin with and maybe I'll learn more about memory OC before actually doing anything about it. Going to sell the original Goldkey ram on Ebay. For some reason they're selling them $80-$100 there which is ridiculous seeing how better brands only sell $60-80 new. I don't expect to sell anywhere near that, but even if I can sell it at $60, that's some money back