Dual-channel first, speed second.

Dual-channel first, speed second.

Dual-channel gives you a bigger real-world boost than pushing from 3200 to 3600MHz on Ryzen.

Ryzen’s memory controller loves bandwidth. Running a single stick cuts that bandwidth in half — you lose 10-20% performance in games and productivity. That’s way more than the 3-5% you’d gain from faster RAM.

So when you’re stepping up to 16GB, buy two 8GB sticks. 2x8 at 3200MHz will outperform 1x16 at 3600MHz every time.

Once you’ve got dual-channel, then worry about speed. 3200MHz CL16 is the sweet spot for most Ryzen chips. Anything faster costs more and delivers diminishing returns.

If your budget forces a choice? Dual-channel wins. Every time.