Can I have 2 different RAM sticks?

[Ryan_331]

So I have 2 RAM sticks currently. They are both XPC 8GB DDR4, and I currently have 16GB of RAM in total. I have another 2 of that exact type, I was curious if it's possible to use those extra 2, and put it in my other 2 RAM slots I have, and if that would work to give me 32GB of RAM, or if that would not work. Sorry if this is a bit confusing.

Thanks!

 

[R4DIO4CT1VE]

there is a decent chance it will work, but with mixing RAM its not 100%

 

[bgunner]

There is no guarantee that it will work. To help with compatibility make sure you set the Speed to the slower of the two models if they are different speeds, Set the timings to the Higher of the two if they are different, Be sure to run the command rate at 2T (also can be seen as 2N) and set the Voltage to the higher of the two if they are different. These steps will help with compatibility but again there is no sure fire way of telling without trying.

Use Memtest86+ for 3 FULL PASSES before saying the ram is stable together. If the ram errors then there is an issue. Be sure your Board supports the speed you want to run with ram installed in all 4 slots and that it supports 32GB of ram before installing the new ram.

 

[Ryan_331]

There is no guarantee that it will work. To help with compatibility make sure you set the Speed to the slower of the two models if they are different speeds, Set the timings to the Higher of the two if they are different, Be sure to run the command rate at 2T (also can be seen as 2N) and set the Voltage to the higher of the two if they are different. These steps will help with compatibility but again there is no sure fire way of telling without trying.

Use Memtest86+ for 3 FULL PASSES before saying the ram is stable together. If the ram errors then there is an issue. Be sure your Board supports the speed you want to run with ram installed in all 4 slots and that it supports 32GB of ram before installing the new ram.

They're the EXACT same RAM sticks, like literally the same.

 

[Calvin7]

Memory manufacturers guarantee the rated speed and timings of any memory to be obtainable only in the kit it is sold in. If you are adding an additional module of memory, the rated timings may not work due to the extra stress on the memory controller. Therefore, you will need to relax the timings and/or frequencies in order to get two single modules of memory to work. Another option you may need to do is increase the dram voltages or reducing the CPU multiplier.

 

[bgunner]

Still There is no guarantee that they will work together. It is always best to buy ram as sets because they test them as a set to insure they work together. Sometimes slight differences in the memory can cause issues with them being compatible. Since they are the Same Make and Model ram sticks no extra precautions will need to be taken except these following: make sure the command rate is set to 2T/2N and also after the the new ram is installed clear the BIOS. This will force the motherboard to recognize all the ram installed. If the BIOS are not cleared the motherboard might not see the extra 16GB of ram present and wont allow the OS to use it.

Before clearing the BIOS take the time to write down the all the settings in the BIOS so you can enter them back in exactly as they were to prevent hardware issues down the line.

 

[Ryan_331]

Still There is no guarantee that they will work together. It is always best to buy ram as sets because they test them as a set to insure they work together. Sometimes slight differences in the memory can cause issues with them being compatible. Since they are the Same Make and Model ram sticks no extra precautions will need to be taken except these following: make sure the command rate is set to 2T/2N and also after the the new ram is installed clear the BIOS. This will force the motherboard to recognize all the ram installed. If the BIOS are not cleared the motherboard might not see the extra 16GB of ram present and wont allow the OS to use it.

Before clearing the BIOS take the time to write down the all the settings in the BIOS so you can enter them back in exactly as they were to prevent hardware issues down the line.

Should I just try to use it? And just put it in?

 

[bgunner]

there is no harm in trying.