Get the 2x8GB kit now.

Yes, 2x8GB gives you dual-channel speed right away, which is a real performance boost for most tasks. A single 16GB stick runs in single-channel mode, and you’ll feel it in games, video editing, even general multitasking.

The argument for one stick is “future upgrade path” — buy one 16GB now, add another identical stick later for 32GB dual-channel. But here’s the thing: RAM prices drop over time, and by the time you need 32GB, a 2x16GB kit will likely be cheaper than tracking down a matching single stick. Plus, buying two sticks now leaves two slots open for a future upgrade anyway — you could add another 2x8GB later for 32GB total, or pull the 8GB sticks and go for 2x16GB.

Unless you know for sure you’ll add the exact same 16GB stick within a few months, just take the performance now. Future You can deal with 32GB when it’s time. That’s a good problem to have.