Question Can you help me to match my existing RAM ?

[On-A-Downer]

I currently have 2x4gb sticks of....

Corsair Vengeance CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R
DDR3 16gb (4x4gb)
160505190742385

1866MHz 9-10-9-27

1.50v ver3.24

I know it's old, I got the PC in 2015 and I'm not sure if the motherboard will accept DDR4, the motherboard is a Gigabyte Z97-D3H-CF

I have found this on ebay...https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265334579779?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=265334579779&targetid=1405282543919&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1006914&poi=&campaignid=17218284410&mkgroupid=142217514411&rlsatarget=pla-1405282543919&abcId=9300867&merchantid=115192881&gclid=CjwKCAjw-rOaBhA9EiwAUkLV4lZXlnqdAsiK4GjGPJ84BlJPzi8_JcT88kr-vQ1etEz07EkvS_OwjxoCpuUQAvD_BwE

Which appears very similar the only difference I see is the version, mine is 3.24 and the one advertised is 8.16.

16gb is what I'm aiming for, I'm on a budget so I'd prefer two more 4gb sticks that match what I have already. Can anybody find 2x4gb sticks like I have already ? I'm struggling.

Thanks.

 

[geofelt]

Ram must be matched to guarantee proper operation.
While DDR3(that is what you are using) seems to tolerate mixed ram, there is no guarantee.
Running 4 sticks is more difficult to manage.
I suggest you look for a 2 x 8gb ddr3 kit that matches your specs.

 

[On-A-Downer]

Ram must be matched to guarantee proper operation.
While DDR3(that is what you are using) seems to tolerate mixed ram, there is no guarantee.
Running 4 sticks is more difficult to manage.
I suggest you look for a 2 x 8gb ddr3 kit that matches your specs.

OK thanks.

I'll get 2x8gb sticks, any recommendations ? I'm currently at 1866MHz could I go faster than that and it would still work ? My 2x4gb 1866MHz Corsair sticks have never let me down in 7 years of use.

 

[geofelt]

Yes, your motherboard can support higher speed ram.
But, there will be very little difference in actual app performance.
Buy a 1866 speed kit.
If you want, try adding in your two 4gb sticks.
DDR3 is somewhat tolerant of mixed ram.

Assuming it boots,
Run memtest86 or memtest86+
They boot from a usb stick and do not use windows.
You can download them here:

MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool

MemTest86 is the original self booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. Supporting both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.

www.memtest86.com

Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool

Memtest86+ is an advanced, free, open-source, stand-alone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit computers (UEFI & BIOS supported)

www.memtest.org

If you can run a full pass with NO errors, your ram should be ok.

Running several more passes will sometimes uncover an issue, but it takes more time.
Probably not worth it unless you really suspect a ram issue.

 

[On-A-Downer]

Yes, your motherboard can support higher speed ram.
But, there will be very little difference in actual app performance.
Buy a 1866 speed kit.
If you want, try adding in your two 4gb sticks.
DDR3 is somewhat tolerant of mixed ram.

Assuming it boots,
Run memtest86 or memtest86+
They boot from a usb stick and do not use windows.
You can download them here:

MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool

MemTest86 is the original self booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. Supporting both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.

www.memtest86.com

Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool

Memtest86+ is an advanced, free, open-source, stand-alone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit computers (UEFI & BIOS supported)

www.memtest.org

If you can run a full pass with NO errors, your ram should be ok.

Running several more passes will sometimes uncover an issue, but it takes more time.
Probably not worth it unless you really suspect a ram issue.

I got memtest, still waiting on delivery of my new RAM so I can't test yet. Once I've got memtest on a USB stick how do I boot the PC from that instead of loading up windows as usual ?

 

[geofelt]

Have the bios boot order point to the memtest usb stick.
No windows is involved.

 

[On-A-Downer]

Have the bios boot order point to the memtest usb stick.
No windows is involved.

I ran memtest86 with no errors, it took over 3 hours. This is with 24gb installed, 2x4gb sticks and 2x8gb sticks

There was a note though it said "RAM may be vulnerable to high frequency row hammer bit flips". Is that anything to worry about ? I don't know what it means.

 

[geofelt]

No idea either.
Corsair ram will have a lifetime warranty.
Perhaps you could ask of Corsair ram support.