Correct way to upgrade my 4x2(8GB) RAM to 16GB

[takamura.ichi]

Hello,I currently have Corsair - Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory Installed http://
I want to add extra 8GB,but i'm not sure should i go with same 2x4 Kit or is it ok to purchase 1x8GB(Same Speed,CAS,Voltage) module?

The thing is i'm really low on budget,2x4 kit costs 70$(can't afford right now), while 1x8 Is only about 55$.Also i don't want to "lose" dual channel mode,because it improves about 10-20 FPS in games compared to single module.

I read my motherboard's manual,but with my bad English i can't understand if i can go with extra single module memory without disabling dual channel mode.

Here are my PC Specs:

CPU: Intel Core i5 3570 http://

Motherboard: ASrock z75 Pro 3 http://

Here is the screenshot from Manual considering my problem

Some screenshots from BIOS and CPUZ

Thank you all for your replies

 

[envy14tpe]

Why not sell your RAM and get the 2x8gb pack?

 

[takamura.ichi]

Why not sell your RAM and get the 2x8gb pack?

Unfortunately, i can't do that too much expenses and transporting problems

 

[mdd1963]

you want another pair of 4 GB sticks then....

 

[Wolfshadw]

I read my motherboard's manual,but with my bad English i can't understand if i can go with extra single module memory without disabling dual channel mode.

If you install a 1x8GB RAM module, you will be running in Single Channel mode.

Given the current RAM compatibility issues, I would not even recommend getting a second set of 2x4GB RAM. I realize it's very expensive and outside your current budget, but your best bet would be to wait until you can afford to purchase a 2x8GB or 4x4GB RAM kit.

-Wolf sends

 

[envy14tpe]

I agree with Wolfshadow. Wait until you can get a proper kit that works together. You could also look in the used market.

 

[takamura.ichi]

I read my motherboard's manual,but with my bad English i can't understand if i can go with extra single module memory without disabling dual channel mode.

If you install a 1x8GB RAM module, you will be running in Single Channel mode.

Given the current RAM compatibility issues, I would not even recommend getting a second set of 2x4GB RAM. I realize it's very expensive and outside your current budget, but your best bet would be to wait until you can afford to purchase a 2x8GB or 4x4GB RAM kit.

-Wolf sends

Thanks for replying,I get what you said now about 1x8GB module,but why can't i go with extra 2x4 kit? I think configuration #3 from Motherboard manual screenshot allows me to stay in dual channel if i install extra 2x4 kit,or does it say that i have to own one 4x4 kit and not two 2x4?

If manual says,that i can go with two 2x4 kits,what does identical mean? Same everything(brand,model) or just technical stuff like DDR type,speed,CAS,Voltage? Can i go with blue/red versions they are cheaper than mine (black one) http://

 

[Wolfshadw]

The RAM compatibility issues extend to even the same RAM manufacturer and type. For instance

You have Corsair - Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory currently installed. You could purchase this exact same kit today and it might not be compatible with your current RAM, simply because it was manufactured at a later date.

It might work.
It might not work.
The only way to know is to try it, but if it doesn't work, that means you have to return it (probably at a loss) and [b[STILL[/b] need to purchase the 4x4GB (or 2x8GB) kit.

-Wolf sends

 

[takamura.ichi]

The RAM compatibility issues extend to even the same RAM manufacturer and type. For instance

You have Corsair - Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory currently installed. You could purchase this exact same kit today and it might not be compatible with your current RAM, simply because it was manufactured at a later date.

It might work.
It might not work.
The only way to know is to try it, but if it doesn't work, that means you have to return it (probably at a loss) and [b[STILL[/b] need to purchase the 4x4GB (or 2x8GB) kit.

-Wolf sends

Thank you, i always thought that RAM was the easiest part of PC do deal with until now, it appears you have to think carefully beforehand, until you choose you RAM, because in my case i have to first get rid of old one and rebuy the whole new part for 100% safety...

 

[Wolfshadw]

The RAM compatibility issues extend to even the same RAM manufacturer and type. For instance

You have Corsair - Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory currently installed. You could purchase this exact same kit today and it might not be compatible with your current RAM, simply because it was manufactured at a later date.

It might work.
It might not work.
The only way to know is to try it, but if it doesn't work, that means you have to return it (probably at a loss) and [b[STILL[/b] need to purchase the 4x4GB (or 2x8GB) kit.

-Wolf sends

Thank you, i always thought that RAM was the easiest part of PC do deal with until now, it appears you have to think carefully beforehand, until you choose you RAM, because in my case i have to first get rid of old one and rebuy the whole new part for 100% safety...

It used to be, that was the case. You could just mix and match with little concern for compatibility. Not so much anymore.

-Wolf sends

 

[takamura.ichi]

I decided to go for it and try mixing my Corsair Vengeance Black with Blue one after discovering this article https://www.corsair.com/us/en/blog/mixing-vengeance-black-and-blue-memory-kits

In worst case scenario i will have to use new RAM for another PC, but i have a feeling i might get it work properly.It's worth a try for me.

I will post updates about how it went.Maybe someone will benefit from my experience...

 

[Wolfshadw]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! Good Luck!

-Wolf sends