Question Are there any potential issues going from 2 to 4 sticks of the same RAM?

[Fluorspar]

Hi there! I'm aware that compatibility can be an issue when upgrading RAM, I was wondering if I could minimise any potential issues by using the exact same kit? I currently have two sticks and am looking to add another two, I'm wondering if there's any issues there around sticks only working in pairs rather than fours, for example?

For reference I have an ASUS ROG STRIX X-570F Gaming motherboard, and my RAM is Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro (DDR4 3600 C18 - CMW16GX4M2D3600C18). I'm aware it's all reasonably old kit these days, but it's worked well for me so far and am just looking for a fairly hassle-free upgrade

Thanks in advance

 

[USAFRet]

Unless the RAM sticks come in the same box, sold as a set, it may fail.
Yes, even if it is "the exact same". (its not really)

 

[kanewolf]

I'm aware it's all reasonably old kit these days,

And THAT is the problem. Something sold "as the same" has a much more likely chance of being different "under the hood". Different timings.
So it might work at base clock. It might work at XMP clock. It might work, then blue screen. Or it might not boot.
ALL of those are reasonable possibilities.
if you want double the RAM, buy a two stick kit with larger DIMMs and sell your existing RAM.

 

[35below0]

Unfortunately it is better to replace a kit than to mix two kits. If you do mix them, you will at best have more total RAM but at a slower speed (check your motherboard manual for exact details). But the worst case scenario is that your PC refuses to boot. A less severe but annoying outcome is frequent crashes.

Check the QVL/memory support page for your motherboard, and look at compatible 4x kits. Even better, look at 2x kits that are double the RAM you have now.

So the answer is that yes, you may go ahead but it is a lottery. The fact that you are using the same kit does not give you any extra security because that kit is compatible and stable as a 2x kit, not as a 4x.
Sorry.

 

[Fluorspar]

Thanks for the quick replies, and strong consensus! Will look into a new kit

 

[35below0]

Thanks for the quick replies, and strong consensus! Will look into a new kit

That's very wise.
See here: https://forums.tomshardware.com/thr...fter-upgrading-from-16gb-to-32gb-ram.3843398/
for an example of how much of a pain mixed RAM can be.