2x16GB vs 4x8GB RAM: Two sticks win for stability and upgradeability

Two sticks are easier on the memory controller, leave room to upgrade later, and are more likely to hit rated XMP speeds. Four sticks can look cool but often require tweaking or lower speeds to stay stable, especially on budget boards or with high-speed DDR5. The real-world performance difference is tiny (1-3%), so if you’re building new, just buy 2x16GB.