I already have 8gb of ram but want more.

[PatricioBOB]

I already have 1x8gb ram but i want more. Should i just add one more stick of the same ram or just buy a new kit?

 

[feelinfroggy777]

You should buy a new kit. RAM acts very finicky when you mix kits. This is why RAM is sold in kits as they are tested to work with each other. Even RAM with the same model and speed will have problems. You should sell the 8gb stick and buy a 16gb kit.

 

[atljsf]

the idea of buy a 2x8 ram kit is use it on dualchannel to get a small performance boost

sometimes you buy the second stick and works in dualchannel, usually it doesn't

the secure way is buy the kit but you can also buy the second stick, ideally if you buy the second stick, try to buy one as similar as possible, same speed, same timings and same size

 

[PatricioBOB]

You should buy a new kit. RAM acts very finicky when you mix kits. This is why RAM is sold in kits as they are tested to work with each other. Even RAM with the same model and speed will have problems. You should sell the 8gb stick and buy a 16gb kit.

But my nephew has 2x8gb + 4gb on his pc?

 

[captaincharisma]

You should buy a new kit. RAM acts very finicky when you mix kits. This is why RAM is sold in kits as they are tested to work with each other. Even RAM with the same model and speed will have problems. You should sell the 8gb stick and buy a 16gb kit.

But my nephew has 2x8gb + 4gb on his pc?

then they got lucky. it not recommended to mix and match ram

 

[feelinfroggy777]

You should buy a new kit. RAM acts very finicky when you mix kits. This is why RAM is sold in kits as they are tested to work with each other. Even RAM with the same model and speed will have problems. You should sell the 8gb stick and buy a 16gb kit.

But my nephew has 2x8gb + 4gb on his pc?

I don't recommend it. Sometimes it will work, sometimes it does not. Some days it will post, and other days it wont. There may be performance issues with the RAM that he does not know exist. I would suggest benchmarking the RAM and compare it to other scores. Differences in the timings between the sticks can slow down the performance of the RAM

This is why when you build a system, don't skimp on the RAM. Usually going from 8gb to 16gb kit is only 50% more and not 100%. It is a cheaper in the long run to build a system and not plan on adding additional RAM. Get the amount of RAM you will need for the life of the system.

 

[androbourne]

Or... you could pull out your existing stick and order the exact same type of 1x8gb.... it should work just fine in duel channel as long as its the same model.

However, if your board can handle faster memory. Now is the time to look at that and decide on if you simply just want more memory or more memory and faster memory. Because if you want both, you should order a new kit of faster memory that is compatible with your board.

 

[feelinfroggy777]

Or... you could pull out your existing stick and order the exact same type of 1x8gb.... it should work just fine in duel channel as long as its the same model.

However, if your board can handle faster memory. Now is the time to look at that and decide on if you simply just want more memory or more memory and faster memory. Because if you want both, you should order a new kit of faster memory that is compatible with your board.

That does not always work. There is a lot more that goes into it than just the model.

 

[atljsf]

as you see sometimes works, yes

but i was talking about the dualchannel feature, when it can't all modules work in single channel, the small speed and performance increase is lost

on some motherboard when you mix ram sizes and types, speeds, models, sometimes the motherboard gets confused ans sees the wrong size or doesn't see some ram modules

years ago i mixed some different size and brand modules and motherboard saw 8 megabytes of ram, it should have seen 3 gbs

last month i mixed a 2 gb and a 4 gb ram module and worked as single channel perfectly, i could even play gta v without issues

nothing is guaranteed

but a ram kit is alot more viable than a surprise to se what i described previously

in some rare cases a motherboard doesn't support a ram kit, i had a asus years ago, we used a kingston kit, 2x2gbs, the system decided to see 1 gb of ram, total

once removed one of the 2 gbs sticks it saw 2 gbs 😀

 

[PatricioBOB]

Or... you could pull out your existing stick and order the exact same type of 1x8gb.... it should work just fine in duel channel as long as its the same model.

However, if your board can handle faster memory. Now is the time to look at that and decide on if you simply just want more memory or more memory and faster memory. Because if you want both, you should order a new kit of faster memory that is compatible with your board.

That does not always work. There is a lot more that goes into it than just the model.

What are problems that can happen if you do it?

 

[androbourne]

That does not always work. There is a lot more that goes into it than just the model.

If you are using a board from the 90s maybe...

In todays world. If you get the correct model (PC1500 blah blah) and match with the same ram size (ie 8gb) then you will be fine, and yes. It is that easy.

I do this all day long I'm a systems engineer.

The only way this wouldn't work is if the motherboard is very old or there is an issue with one of the memory sticks/slots.

There are model numbers for a reason. To ensure you order EXACTLY what you are looking for and an EXACT match would work with no issues. (assuming there is no problems with the hardware)

 

[PatricioBOB]

And some people I met recommend it and others don't and it matters because I'd save like 50 dollars.

 

[androbourne]

And some people I met recommend it and others don't and it matters because I'd save like 50 dollars.

Well thats your right. Doesn't mean it is true. Again, this is why there are part numbers\model numbers.

What happens if you already have 4x8GB sticks in your PC and one of them dies? Are you going to go buy a whole new expensive kit instead of just buying one ram stick?

In this case, you would lose way more then $50...

 

[aquielisunari]

Or... you could pull out your existing stick and order the exact same type of 1x8gb.... it should work just fine in duel channel as long as its the same model.

However, if your board can handle faster memory. Now is the time to look at that and decide on if you simply just want more memory or more memory and faster memory. Because if you want both, you should order a new kit of faster memory that is compatible with your board.

That does not always work. There is a lot more that goes into it than just the model.

What are problems that can happen if you do it?

Your PC simply won't boot.

You will get many BSOD messages.

Crashes that are unexpected.

The best course of action is a 2 x 8GB kit. You keep that 8GB kit for troubleshooting if you ever need it.

2 x 8 + 4? That sounds like a triple channel board. That or someone got lucky not following the board's recommended DUAL(2) channel setup.

You have to ask yourself one question. Do you feel lucky.

it should work just fine in duel channel as long as its the same model.

See that word up there? SHOULD? A brand new 16 GB dual channel kit WILL work. They have been tested with each other. Have I fielded questions regarding the exact same modules purchased at different times? Yes. Was their computer working fine? No. The dual channel RAM modules were having a duel. Have other people done that before with success? Absolutely.

My answer? New kit.

 

[photonboy]

1) 2x8GB + 4GB
- that just means he is in SINGLE CHANNEL operation, even if it was a Triple Channel board which is statistically unlikely.
- it would be best to look at the motherboard manual to see how to populate with just two sticks and remove the 4GB so he's in DUAL CHANNEL MODE which may give some performance boost in some applications (hard to say without knowing specs though very few people need more than 16GB)

2) 1x8GB upgrade:
If you can find the same stick (same exact model) I would go that way. Even if there's a problem you can usually fix it with a voltage and/or timing tweak.

*try Google and PCPARTPICKER by typing in the model.

If you can't find the exact stick you could try one with the same CAPACITY, FREQUENCY and CAS value (i.e. 8GB, 1600MHz, C9 DDR3). Obviously no guarantees but I've done that several times.

3) XMP (for Intel) doesn't operate if you mix different models of memory

4) MEMTEST86 www.memtest86.com
- you should use this NOW and AFTER you add any memory
- run for full pass or until errors (about 30min per 8GB depending on speed)
- may need to modify BIOS boot order (or choose USB stick in BIOS quick boot option)

*If first stick passes, then two sticks FAIL, try ONLY the second stick to see if it's an issue with both sticks. And swap SLOTS (i.e. try 2nd stick only and in the old stick's original slot since it works)

SUMMARY:
While I agree a new kit is ideal, it's worth considering the above then get help if it doesn't work.

 

[androbourne]

you realize like even boards from the 90s can handle duel channel right? As long as he plugs the memory into the correct channels when installing it. The BIOS should see that and automatically change to duel channel.

He would be in single channel if he installs the memory chip into the incorrect channel.

What we are talking about is memory compatibility. The answer is very simple. Order the same model and it is compatible.

Now if the board is compatible with duel channel, or can even support that amount of ram. Well that depends on the board and setup in the BIOS etc...

The point here is just because you order a kit vs a single extra stick. Doesn't mean you automatically get duel channel memory....

Even if he orders a kit and installs it it the wrong channels, you wont get duel memory configs or if the BIOS isn't setup to for it.

So either way, you can save money and simply just order another stick, or spend more money and get a kit. Either will work if you know your board and memory is compatible with duel channel. Isn't that hard to look up and see.

P.S.

The funny thing about all this auguring is that he didn't even ask about duel channel memory. He simply asked if he could order another stick of memory or does he have to purchase a kit. Is the system a gaming rid? Is it a workstation? What is his budget? Does he want faster memory then what he current has?

Again the simple answer is, you want to go from 8gb to 16gb? Cheapest way is to order another 1x stick of the same model and plug it in. It will work.

 

[aquielisunari]

you realize like even boards from the 90s can handle duel channel right?

Of course. If the board is set for single channel which many were in the '90s. then there isn't that possibility.

Isn't it dual channel? A duel is a fight isn't it?

The answer is very simple. Order the same model and it is compatible.

That is incorrect. I have encountered those who did as you say and their PC will not boot. After buying a kit, it works.

Even if he orders a kit and installs it it the wrong channels, you wont get duel memory configs or if the BIOS isn't setup to for it.


Yep. And the board's manufacturer recommends dual channel and as long as the user follows directions all I can do is answer the OP's question to the best of my ability and experience which clearly points to a new kit.

Cheapest way is to order another 1x stick of the same model and plug it in. It will work.

Is an assumption that has been proven wrong time and time again. Cheapest is not synonymous with right. It probably will work. There is a chance it won't. As you said yourself

androbourne said:
Or... you could pull out your existing stick and order the exact same type of 1x8gb.... it should work just fine in duel channel as long as its the same model.

You understand the possibility that the new module won't work. Hence your use of the word should. Even though that possibility is a small one it exists and the fail safe solution is a new kit.

Semantics aside I recommend the new dual channel kit.

 

[photonboy]

androbourne,
It's NOT guaranteed to work if it's the exact same model. It's highly LIKELY, and any issues can almost always be sorted with manual tweaking but it's NOT guaranteed.

The reason is that manufacturing of even the SAME MODEL can change and timings can be different. Heck, I put in a 2nd kit a year later (so 4x4GB DDR3) which worked well enough but the BIOS and WINDOWS didn't agree on the frequency so I had to run a memory bandwidth test to confirm it really was operating at full speed.

 

[androbourne]

androbourne,
It's NOT guaranteed to work if it's the exact same model. It's highly LIKELY, and any issues can almost always be sorted with manual tweaking but it's NOT guaranteed.

The reason is that manufacturing of even the SAME MODEL can change and timings can be different. Heck, I put in a 2nd kit a year later (so 4x4GB DDR3) which worked well enough but the BIOS and WINDOWS didn't agree on the frequency so I had to run a memory bandwidth test to confirm it really was operating at full speed.

It's also not guaranteed if you order a kit that one of the ram sticks dont be bad...

There is no guarantee that ordering a new PSU will fix your PC problems.

There is no guarantee that adding a new CPU will give you more performance

There is no guarantee that you will win the Silicon Lottery.

However, there is common sense.

How do you think people order replacement parts? Model number people. It works if you order the correct parts. It is that simple.

 

[androbourne]

you realize like even boards from the 90s can handle duel channel right?

Of course. If the board is set for single channel which many were in the '90s. then there isn't that possibility.

Isn't it dual channel? A duel is a fight isn't it?

The answer is very simple. Order the same model and it is compatible.

That is incorrect. I have encountered those who did as you say and their PC will not boot. After buying a kit, it works.

Even if he orders a kit and installs it it the wrong channels, you wont get duel memory configs or if the BIOS isn't setup to for it.


Yep. And the board's manufacturer recommends dual channel and as long as the user follows directions all I can do is answer the OP's question to the best of my ability and experience which clearly points to a new kit.

Cheapest way is to order another 1x stick of the same model and plug it in. It will work.

Is an assumption that has been proven wrong time and time again. Cheapest is not synonymous with right. It probably will work. There is a chance it won't. As you said yourself

androbourne said:
Or... you could pull out your existing stick and order the exact same type of 1x8gb.... it should work just fine in duel channel as long as its the same model.

You understand the possibility that the new module won't work. Hence your use of the word should. Even though that possibility is a small one it exists and the fail safe solution is a new kit.

Semantics aside I recommend the new dual channel kit.

Good for you, recommend all you want. I simply suggested based on his QUESTION which was "can I add another stick or do I need to buy a kit" to increase memory sizes. The simple answer is. Yes, you can buy a single stick.

It is also the correct answer for his needs in that question.

Again, I'm a system engineer and do this on workstations and servers all day long. If someone came to a client and said "oh sorry because some people dont agree on the internets, you have to spend 200$ to buy a memory kit to replace that one ram stick that went dead" they would laugh in your face.

It is very simple and you want to make it larger then it is. Want 16GB of memory? Can your motherboard support that size? Order another stick of the same model. It will work.

You want to recommend the more expensive option? Great, I'm not saying its wrong. I'm simply providing him with another very valid option based on price difference.

Obtaining the correct stick and it will work. Unless of course there is a software/hardware issue, timing change needed or voltage adjustments blah blah blah, which I have mentioned before. Sure, it can happen depending on the board. However, if you order the correct stick, it will work. Adustments maybe required to get it to function. (which can also be required of a kit, fine tuning memory clocks to get the speeds you want, happens all the time.)

Common sense is that if there is already a running stick of that exact model in his system. Then replace or adding another one of that same model will work.

 

[aquielisunari]

It isn't good for me. http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2935670/computer-wont-work-identical-ram-sticks.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3203238/identical-ram-sticks.html

and I could offer hundreds of such links.

In a business setting where money is the bottom line then yes the single stick would be good. Plus there is ECC memory and well your and the OP's environment is apples and oranges.

Common sense is that if there is already a running stick of that exact model in his system. Then replace or adding another one of that same model will work.


Yep. Is that a rule? No.

Who it needs to be good for is the OP. This forum isn't personal. Well good for you should be left at elementary school.

 

[androbourne]

It isn't good for me. http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2935670/computer-wont-work-identical-ram-sticks.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3203238/identical-ram-sticks.html

and I could offer hundreds of such links.

In a business setting where money is the bottom line then yes the single stick would be good. Plus there is ECC memory and well your and the OP's environment is apples and oranges.

Common sense is that if there is already a running stick of that exact model in his system. Then replace or adding another one of that same model will work.


Yep. Is that a rule? No.

Who it needs to be good for is the OP. This forum isn't personal. Well good for you should be left at elementary school.

I could google and link hundreds of thread about how adding another stick would work fine if you order the correct part as well... that doesn't change anything.

In the real world where money actually matters to some people. They want to have their options. Ordering an additional stick of memory is a very valid option and someone to dumb or scared to not even consider that as an option, shouldn't be building computers.

None of you have answered me the simple question of. "If one of the 4x sticks die, are you going to buy a full new kit or order another stick".

It is a very simple question. What do you do when you need to replace something that has failed? You going to buy a whole new PC because you are scared the part you ordered is not going to work? Or you going to order the correct part based on model number and replace the unit properly...

People do this all day long and it works, especially on an enterprise level as I had stated previously. Which it is actually more important as down time matters. I don't have time to mess with timing settings to get a memory stick upgrade to take place. I've never had to do this with a compatible memory stick in any server or workstation upgrade, ever.

I did however, have to do that with my memory KIT I ordered for my m7 gaming rig. Which required me to go into the bios and change timings.

So again, either option will work and are valid for his question. Neither option is wrong, and it boils down to what the users preference is. Does he want to save money, or go the other route and get a kit.

There is no reason to continue nerding out over this.

 

[Slumy__57]

I currently have 3 different rigs running mixed RAM modules. My main rig has 2x8gb of HyperX Ram, and 2x4gb of Viper Ram and it works just fine, no issues whatsoever. My brother has 2x8gb of Hyperx, each module was bought at a different time. And I have a spare parts rig (Windows Vista Era parts) with like 4 different RAM modules, and it works fine.

Most people here are correct, it's in no way a guarantee that it will work fine, but IMO, the safe bet is to just buy an 8 gb stick and see what happens. If it works, fantastic. If not, just return it and buy a full 16gb kit. Kind of a no brainer.

 

[The Paladin]

PatricioBOB asked

I already have 1x8gb ram but i want more. Should i just add one more stick of the same ram or just buy a new kit?

the quick answer is if you can find a matching (same make/model) of ramstick matching your current one, and properly installing it into the paired slot for ram on your motherboard, you should be good to go, if you need help finding some, please state country where you live and the model of the ramstick (look on label or use an application like SPECCY that will tell you)

note: it is possible, in some cases though pairing, unmatched ramstick together will cause issues, in 90% of times this is reflected with a computer crash ( blue screen of death) or simple lock up of the system, those are the most common symptoms.