mismatched brand and size DDR3, what is best configuration?

[sonofpern]

I have 3 sticks of DDR3, all different brands. One is an 8GB and the other two are 4GB. I have them arranged in the slots (8 * 4 4) and all 16GB register. CPUI-Z confirms they are all PC3-12800 (800MHz) and ranks the 8GB as dual but the two 4GB sticks as rank single. Is this the optimal configuration? I didn't want to just start trying random arrangements, but I wonder if (4 4 8 *) or (4 4 * 8) would be best. I don't usually use more than 8GB (according to MSI afterburner and Task Manager anyway) but it's an aging platform and newer games and programs may start to demand more of it, so I just want to make sure it is set up the best.

 

[PaulieVideos]

I would put the same size sticks in the same color slots. But it doesn't really matter since all stick are different. I won't make any noticible difference

 

[Lutfij]

Please list your specs like so:
CPU:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:

I'm not a fan of mixing and matching rams. I'd rather that you move for a kit, preferably 4x4GB or 2x8GB, the frequency and voltage will be limited by what your board and/or CPU supports.

Often times running sticks of ram that are all mismatched will result in BSOD's and out of the blue compatibility issues. Mid sharing the make and model of each ram stick?

 

[sonofpern]

OK, some of the original configurations I tried did BSOD or not register full amount. So basically, if all 16GB register in BIOS and OS, then it probably is working the best it can?

 

[sonofpern]

I will open it and check specs soon. I am not planning to spend more money on the RAM for this system, I just want to make sure what I have is configured the best possible way. It is the M51BC listed in signature, I bought it this year for under $200 but I am now saving for a graphics card and then a Ryzen platform