Looking to add more RAM, but current model is not available anywhere, help?

[TheFreQiest]

My father built a PC over a year or so ago with the help of one of his friends, and they used 8 GB of Patriot Viper 3 RAM. The model number is PV316G186C0KRD (https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220733), which is currently out of stock at every store I've looked at. There is another RAM model from Patriot, which is PV316G186C0K (https://www.amazon.com/Patriot-1866MHz-Desktop-Memory-Heatsink/dp/B00453R90W) and is the most similar to the model that my dad currently has. I'm wondering if that will be fine for upgrading, or if I should buy a whole new set of 16 GB of the PV316G186C0K model RAM to avoid any problems.

 

[das_stig]

They look compatible, but nothing is 100%, Amazon have a good returns policy so I would take the risk and any issues send them straight back.

 

[RARRAF]

16gb of a new matched pair would guarantee it worked were even if you find a matching model number you are not guaranteed

 

[clarkjd]

My father built a PC over a year or so ago with the help of one of his friends, and they used 8 GB of Patriot Viper 3 RAM. The model number is PV316G186C0KRD (https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220733), which is currently out of stock at every store I've looked at. There is another RAM model from Patriot, which is PV316G186C0K (https://www.amazon.com/Patriot-1866MHz-Desktop-Memory-Heatsink/dp/B00453R90W) and is the most similar to the model that my dad currently has. I'm wondering if that will be fine for upgrading, or if I should buy a whole new set of 16 GB of the PV316G186C0K model RAM to avoid any problems.

Getting unmatched ram to work together is problematical at best, and impossible at worst. Even the EXACT same kit may not work, especially if purchased at different times. EVERYTHING about the ram must match(timings, voltages, latency, etc) to have any hope of it working. Ram manufacturers sell matched sets for a reason. They won't even support their own ram if not purchased as a matched set.

That being said, I recommend that you purchase a 2x8GB set as close to your original ram specs as possible. Then try it with your original ram. If it works, then you have even more memory, If it doesn't work, then you can sell your original set to recoup some of the cost, or keep it as a spare should something happen to your new ram.