[SOLVED] about mixing rams

[maxwellsc]

i have 2 ddr3 rams which make 16gb in total
can i get 1x ddr3 that is by itself 16g? or should i get another 2x8= 16gb ?

 

[PC Tailor]

RAM modules are only guaranteed in the form sold (from the same pack). Even if they are the exact same make / model / timings, it is irrelevant. Mixed RAM modules are a 50/50 bet, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But there is no way you can ever guarantee compatiblity with mixed modules.

This usually is worse as the time of manufacture increases, as the module manufacturing process changes frequently. This is why it is always best practice to buy a whole new pack together when upgrading RAM.

So in short, will they work together if you buy just 1 more module and add them to your current? Maybe
Can anyone guarantee they'll work together? No.

You'll only be able to know if you try them, but frankly I'd say save the headache and potential conflict and just buy a new pack, because the last thing you'd want is pay money, to find out they won't work together.

 

[Mario'06]

Yep, i agree with the guy above, just buy a new pack, and buy 2x8gb, dual channel is faster

 

[maxwellsc]

RAM modules are only guaranteed in the form sold (from the same pack). Even if they are the exact same make / model / timings, it is irrelevant. Mixed RAM modules are a 50/50 bet, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But there is no way you can ever guarantee compatiblity with mixed modules.

This usually is worse as the time of manufacture increases, as the module manufacturing process changes frequently. This is why it is always best practice to buy a whole new pack together when upgrading RAM.

So in short, will they work together if you buy just 1 more module and add them to your current? Maybe
Can anyone guarantee they'll work together? No.

You'll only be able to know if you try them, but frankly I'd say save the headache and potential conflict and just buy a new pack, because the last thing you'd want is pay money, to find out they won't work together.

thanks for the great answer
so if i wanted to upgrade my 16g ram
it would be better to get 2x16gb aka 32gb?

 

[USAFRet]

In addition to the above, are you actually maxing out your current 16GB?
Do you really need 32GB RAM?

Unless you are actually running out, more RAM does not equal more performance.

 

[PC Tailor]

thanks for the great answer
so if i wanted to upgrade my 16g ram
it would be better to get 2x16gb aka 32gb?

I'm only iterating what USAFret has already stated - do you NEED 32GB?
If your current usage does not warrant it, it will be wasting money - just food for thought.

And yes, if you do decide to, 2x16 would be better, not all MB like having all 4 DIMMS populated.

 

[maxwellsc]

In addition to the above, are you actually maxing out your current 16GB?
Do you really need 32GB RAM?

Unless you are actually running out, more RAM does not equal more performance.

oh a great question, actually no i dont even need 32
the problem is i have to change the board, so i have to change my ddr3 rams for ddr4...

 

[USAFRet]

oh a great question, actually no i dont even need 32
the problem is i have to change the board, so i have to change my ddr3 rams for ddr4...

This is a whole different consideration.
You can't mix your current 16GB DDR3 with 16GB DDR4.
At all ever.

Buy whatever DDR4 you need for your new motherboard.

 

[maxwellsc]

originally i was thinking "maybe i could get 3x8gb rams... (my maximum ram usage is around 85% with 16gb right now)
since i didnt want to go all the way to 32.. but it seems they have to be in pair
so i guess ill go with 16gb ddr4 then