16GB dual-channel beats 8GB single-channel for gaming, no contest.

The 16GB dual-channel setup will give you noticeably less stuttering.

The problem with 8GB soldered single-channel isn’t just the capacity—it’s the bandwidth bottleneck. Modern games park themselves at 10-12GB RAM usage, so 8GB forces heavy swapping to your SSD (even a fast one) which causes hitching. Single-channel memory also cuts memory bandwidth in half, which hurts frame pacing in CPU-bound scenes. You’ll feel it as micro-stutter.

16GB dual-channel gives you enough room to breathe and twice the bandwidth. Even if the RAM is replaceable (meaning you can upgrade later), the immediate gaming experience will be smoother. Soldered RAM is a bummer for long-term upgradability, but right now the extra capacity and dual-channel advantage is the bigger deal.

Get the 16GB dual-channel machine. You’ll thank yourself the first time you load into a busy area.