Getting more RAM - can I combine my current RAM with new RAM?

[Treeroyk]

I'm upgrading some of the components of my PC at the end of this year, and am wondering what RAM to get. I currently have 4GB and need more, so was thinking of getting two 4GB sticks in addition to what I already have.

I don't know much about how RAM works, and whether I can combine them, so I'm asking here.
My current RAM is 2x2GB samsung 1333MHz, and according to Speccy, it is 9-9-9-24. I don't know what that actually means, but I hear it is important when combining different sticks of RAM.
I was thinking of getting something like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Skill-8GBXL-Main-Memory-PC1600/dp/B004I763AW/ or http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9-Vengeance-Performance-Desktop/dp/B004CRSM4I/

Of the two linked above, will they likely work with my current RAM? The motherboard will be a M5A97. And which of the two above is better? (Or can you recommend good RAM)

Cheers

 

[ldewitt]

RAM works best when pair with same speed same memory combinations. so you be best getting 2GB sticks of the same speed or even replacing your current RAM with new larger memory sticks.

Best way to tell what works with your current configuration is going to www.crucial.com and downloading there Crucial Memory Advisor Tool. It scans your whole system and gives you different options you can upgrade your PC with, and they GUARANTEE that the configuration they supply for you will work.

 

[Treeroyk]

RAM works best when pair with same speed same memory combinations. so you be best getting 2GB sticks of the same speed or even replacing your current RAM with new larger memory sticks.

Best way to tell what works with your current configuration is going to www.crucial.com and downloading there Crucial Memory Advisor Tool. It scans your whole system and gives you different options you can upgrade your PC with, and they GUARANTEE that the configuration they supply for you will work.

The scanner isn't very helpful, because my RAM upgrade will be alongside a motherboard upgrade.

As for your first point - I may do that, then. Just use the new 8GB and not what I already have.

 

[ldewitt]

RAM works best when pair with same speed same memory combinations. so you be best getting 2GB sticks of the same speed or even replacing your current RAM with new larger memory sticks.

Best way to tell what works with your current configuration is going to www.crucial.com and downloading there Crucial Memory Advisor Tool. It scans your whole system and gives you different options you can upgrade your PC with, and they GUARANTEE that the configuration they supply for you will work.

The scanner isn't very helpful, because my RAM upgrade will be alongside a motherboard upgrade.

As for your first point - I may do that, then. Just use the new 8GB and not what I already have.

Ah damn my partial read throughs! Anyways yeah that would be a better choice to go with the 2 x4GB stick rather than try tie up 4 DIMM slots with 4 x 2GB sticks. If you want you could even go with a faster Mhz since your motherboard supports it. Up to you, cheers!

 

[Treeroyk]

RAM works best when pair with same speed same memory combinations. so you be best getting 2GB sticks of the same speed or even replacing your current RAM with new larger memory sticks.

Best way to tell what works with your current configuration is going to www.crucial.com and downloading there Crucial Memory Advisor Tool. It scans your whole system and gives you different options you can upgrade your PC with, and they GUARANTEE that the configuration they supply for you will work.

The scanner isn't very helpful, because my RAM upgrade will be alongside a motherboard upgrade.

As for your first point - I may do that, then. Just use the new 8GB and not what I already have.

Ah damn my partial read throughs! Anyways yeah that would be a better choice to go with the 2 x4GB stick rather than try tie up 4 DIMM slots with 4 x 2GB sticks. If you want you could even go with a faster Mhz since your motherboard supports it. Up to you, cheers!

Is faster RAM worth it though? I don't really understand how faster RAM increases performance. :>

 

[ldewitt]

You got a point i had 10600 G Skillz and upgraded to 12800 Kingston and i don't notice the difference. RAM upgrade was free so, oh well no loss here ;-)

 

[Treeroyk]

You got a point i had 10600 G Skillz and upgraded to 12800 Kingston and i don't notice the difference. RAM upgrade was free so, oh well no loss here ;-)

Ah right. I think I'll stick to the 1600MHz stuff since it's like £20 cheaper than the faster RAM.

 

[ldewitt]

No problem glad to clear things up!

 

[Treeroyk]

It's very helpful. Much appreciated.

 

[ldewitt]

It's very helpful. Much appreciated.

If you will, can you mark my post as the solution to your question. It helps me and also informs others that you've gotten your answer and gets marked "solved".
Thanks for your time.