There are several factors to consider when deciding between 2 8GB sticks or one 16GB stick.
The advantages of using two 8GB sticks instead of one 16GB are:
1. Dual Channel: If your motherboard supports dual channel memory, using two 8GB sticks will increase memory bandwidth and improve overall system performance.
2. Flexibility and expandability: Using two 8GB sticks allows you to easily add two more sticks in the future and increase the total storage capacity if needed.
3. Reliability: If for some reason one of the sticks fails, you can always use the remaining stick, whereas a single-stick system is doomed to fail until the memory is replaced.
However, using a single 16 GB stick also has its advantages:
1. Lower power consumption: One stick of memory consumes less power than two sticks, which can be an important factor for laptops and devices with limited battery life.
2. Simplified installation and maintenance: installing one memory card is easier than installing two. This can be important for users who do not have experience with computer technology.
It is important to consider the requirements of your system and your own needs when choosing between the two options. It is better to refer to the manufacturer's official websites and read the recommendations for choosing memory for the motherboard model.