Dual channel ram question

[smashee]

Hello guys, I have a question. I have 4 dual channel DDR4 RAMs. They are all the same (Kingston 2133) but I accidently mixed them together and I don't know, which pairs were together in a pack. Is it a big problem or can I just plug them in no matter the order when they are the same type?

 

[imsqam]

Plug away, no pairing within packaging. If they are different models then you should try to use them in pairs.

 

[smashee]

Nono, they are just the same. Thanks!

 

[mjslakeridge]

Use CPU-Z, under the SPD tab, and select each Slot to see the specs of each RAM stick. If I understand you correctly, you have 2 kits of 2x4 GB RAM and possibly got the two kits mixed up. It is best to have the RAM from each kit paired together in dual-channel mode. If all 4 sticks have the exact same part # and timings and frequency, then you probably don't have a way to know which sticks came in each kit.

 

[smashee]

I have two 2x8GB kits. And yeah, they are exactly the same, so I've got no way to identify them.

 

[mjslakeridge]

So the part number on all 4 sticks are exactly the same, as identified in CPU-Z? If so, then it SHOULDN'T matter much which stick is paired with which. There is aREMOTE chance certain sticks will not work well together, as sticks sold in a kit have been tested together and proven to work well. But I think you should be OK. If you think you aren't getting the performance you should, you could label each stick, A,B,C,D and try them in different combinations, but it probably won't be necessary.

 

[smashee]

I don't have access to the cpu-z because I'm waiting for my new cpu to arrive. But I will chceck it later Thank you very much for your help

 

[mjslakeridge]

If you do want to do some testing of the RAM when your cpu arrives here is what I would do. Use only 2 sticks at a time in dual-channel mode. Your motherboard manual should tell you which DIMM slots to use if only using 2 (or it may not matter). Insert stick A and B. Run a benchmark like Passmark Performance Test. Write down the various scores related to the RAM tests. Next try stick A and C. Repeat test, noting the scores. Then try stick A and D and note the scores. If the RAM test scores are all the same (or very very close), then it doesn't matter which sticks are paired together.

But let's say the test with stick A and D got much better results than the others. Then try B and C together (removing A and D). Those test results should be similar to the A and D results and you will know that A and D and B and C are the matched pairs.

Or you could just insert the RAM and start enjoying your computer.

 

[smashee]

Thank you all very much