Two sticks is almost always better.

Yes, for a typical dual-channel consumer motherboard, use two 16GB sticks. Four 8GB sticks works but adds stress to the memory controller and often limits overclocking or stability.

The short version: dual-channel needs pairs. Two sticks is one pair, simple. Four sticks is two pairs, but the memory controller has to drive more electrical load. That means you’re more likely to hit frequency walls or need looser timings. Most boards also rank memory differently—four single-rank sticks can end up slower than two dual-rank sticks.

Exception: if you already have two 8GB sticks and want to add two more, that’s fine. But if you’re buying new, get the two-stick kit. It’s cheaper, easier on the motherboard, and future-proofs you for a future upgrade (you can sell two and buy two 16s instead of being stuck with four 8s).

Don’t overthink this one. Two sticks, done.