Can you put an 8gb stick of ram in with a 4gb?

jamster7777

Honorable
Jul 6, 2012
36
0
10,530
Hi, I recently found the cause of my BSOD, which was an error in one of my 4gb ram sticks. (I had a 2x4 configuration before, now i just have 1x4 with a free slot)

I am now looking to purchase some new ram as 4gb isn't enough for me. However I don't know a whole lot about ram so I need some advice.

I am going to purchase 8gb of ram, however I am not sure whether or not I should get a 1x8 configuration or a 2x4. I was wondering, if I buy this 1 8gb stick, will I be able to put it in with the 4gb stick I already have, bringing my total up to 12gb? Or will this be unstable/not work at all?

My current stick is DDR3, as is the new ram I am looking at, but I am not sure if that is all that matters.

Here are the links to the ram i am looking at:

2x4:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9-Vengeance-Performance-Desktop/dp/B004CRSM4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373885663&sr=8-1&keywords=8gb+ram

1x8:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10B-Vengeance-Memory-Module/dp/B009M0TCBC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1373885705&sr=8-5&keywords=8gb+ram

Thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this, and if you need any more details just let me know.
 

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Best bet is 2x4GB, an 8GB stick by itself will run in single channel which is 10-15% slower than dual channel, and if it were to work with your current 4 GB stick, in a dual config, the 8GB would be in dual 4 from the 4GB sticks and 4 from the *, with the other 4 from the 8 GB stick in single, which is more stress on the MC (memory controller)
 

jamster7777

Honorable
Jul 6, 2012
36
0
10,530
Ok, thanks for clarifying that for me guys. Just a couple more questions - do you think the ram I am looking at is good, and is there a place I can buy it for cheaper in the UK.