Matching RAM sticks with different timings

[Jan Bernard]

I had a 2x4GB DDR3 1600 G-Skill Ripjaws X for about 2 years unitl one of the DIMMs broke. To save money, I was wondering if I could just replace the broken DIMM with another GSkill Ripjaws X. the replacement would still be DDR3 1600, a 1x4GB model. I don't have the older RAM with me so I'm not sure with the voltages, but It's very likely that they're running at the same voltages. The reason I'm doing this is because I have a really tight budget, and the 2x4GB model isn't available in my area anymore. The newer RAM runs at CL9, however, my older RAM runs at either CL7 or CL8 (Not sure).
I know it isn't recommended to mix and match RAM, but given this situations, what are my chances?

Given that the voltages are the same, among other things, shouldn't the older ram simply run at CL9 timings to match?

I'm running this on an H81M platform in single channel.

 

[DRagor]

If your older ram has JEDEC setting with CL9 800 mhz (you can check that in CPU-Z on SPD tab), then it can run at CL9, giving you fair chance to make them work together. If it does not have such setting, it's a gamble - it still can be made to work, but the risk is significant.

 

[Calvin7]

G. Skill guarantees the rated speed and timings of any memory to be obtainable only in the kit it is sold in. If you are adding an additional set of memory, the rated speed timings may not work or the PC may not boot.

You may need to relax the timings and/or frequencies in order to get two modules not sold in a single kit to work. Another option you may need to do is increase the dram voltages or reducing the CPU multiplier.

If your memory was broken, whether or not it was customer induced damage may be a factor in having the entire kit replaced under warranty. For RMAs, G.Skill recommends that you ship your defective item in the same form it was purchased in. If memory was purchased in a kit of two they recommend shipping both sticks in because this is the way it was tested at rated speeds before it was packaged. Therefore they recommend sending in all sticks to avoid any future incompatibility.

 

[Jan Bernard]

If your older ram has JEDEC setting with CL9 800 mhz (you can check that in CPU-Z on SPD tab), then it can run at CL9, giving you fair chance to make them work together. If it does not have such setting, it's a gamble - it still can be made to work, but the risk is significant.

Thank you for your answer! I'll definitely check that out.

 

[Jan Bernard]

G. Skill guarantees the rated speed and timings of any memory to be obtainable only in the kit it is sold in. If you are adding an additional set of memory, the rated speed timings may not work or the PC may not boot.

You may need to relax the timings and/or frequencies in order to get two modules not sold in a single kit to work. Another option you may need to do is increase the dram voltages or reducing the CPU multiplier.

If your memory was broken, whether or not it was customer induced damage may be a factor in having the entire kit replaced under warranty. For RMAs, G.Skill recommends that you ship your defective item in the same form it was purchased in. If memory was purchased in a kit of two they recommend shipping both sticks in because this is the way it was tested at rated speeds before it was packaged. Therefore they recommend sending in all sticks to avoid any future incompatibility.

I would try RMA if I only still had my proof of purchase. Sadly I lost it during a cleaning session in my room. Do you think G.Skill would allow an RMA without a proof of purchase?