2x4 RAM along with 2x8 RAM?

[wahidussc]

Hey all so I just recently received my new G skill Ares DDR3 2133 2x8 RAM for my Asrock Z87 Extreme4 motherboard and am wondering if it is possible to use my other RAM along with it? The RAM being a 2x4 G skill Ares DDR3 1866.

If so, does it make a difference of I go A1B1 16gb first and then A2B2 8gb or should the 8gb go first?

Cheers!

 

[RememberThe5th]

In best situation it would downclock faster ram to slower one ex. 2133->1866.

 

[aquielisunari]

Possible? Yes. Guarantee? No.

Mixing RAM modules is always a gamble. 95% of the time it works just fine. That applies to identical RAM modules. Only RAM sold in kits are guaranteed to be compatible.

Your scenario is a little different because the speeds are different and you left out the timing information(CL9? CAS 9?)

The power will be off and the PC will be unplugged when you install the modules. Install them any way you want. In the end all 4 slots will be populated so installation order or placement is moot.

IF, I did say IF, if it works(XMP is a beautiful thing) the 2133MHz RAM will downclock itself to 1866?

Why do you want over 16GB RAM? Are you overcomplicating things or will something(s) benefit from more than 16GB RAM?

 

[wahidussc]

There is no real reason to increase my RAM above 16gb currently, I just didn't want RAM lying around so thought if this was possible.

Also sorry about the timing information, the 2x4 RAM says CL9-10-9-28 while the 2x8 RAM says CL10-12-12-31.

What does this mean?

 

[aquielisunari]

There is no real reason to increase my RAM above 16gb currently, I just didn't want RAM lying around so thought if this was possible.

Also sorry about the timing information, the 2x4 RAM says CL9-10-9-28 while the 2x8 RAM says CL10-12-12-31.

What does this mean?

Did the 16GB come in a static-free bag or least a clamshell case? Place your 8GB in there. Applying the KISS(keep it simple sir) principle is the best course of action imo. Place it somewhere cool and dry and away from other electronics, CERN's LHC and magnets. What happens if one day your PC won't boot? What if the RAM malfunctions? Having an 8GB kit waiting there for troubleshooting is a good thing. It isn't clutter.

That means the new RAM is slower. We're talking microseconds. There will be zero negative impacts from the upgrade as long as the old and new modules aren't mixed.

 

[Calvin7]

You wrote, "...the 2x8 RAM says CL10-12-12-31.

What does this mean?"

Memory timings or RAM timings describe the performance of synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) using four parameters: CL, TRCD, TRP, and TRAS in units of clock cycles; they are commonly written as four numbers separated with dashes, e.g. 7-8-8-24. The fourth (tRAS) is often omitted, or a fifth, the Command rate, sometimes added (normally 2T or 1T, also written 2N, 1N). These parameters specify the latencies (time delays) that affect speed of random access memory. Lower numbers usually imply faster performance.

Combining extra memory usually causes rated specifications to be no longer achievable. You may need to lower the clock speed or relax timings (increase number values) and/or increase DRAM voltage to get such combinations to work.

 

[aquielisunari]

^ Compliments of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_timings