Mix and match memory?

[The_Assassin]

My build consists of the colors black and red. I was about to purchase the Patriot Viper 3 memory but I noticed that the Red modules are rated at 9-9-9-27 on Newegg but the same exact product is listed at 9-9-9-24 on TigerDirect. The Black modules are rated at 9-9-9-24 on both sites so I'm assuming its an error on Newegg for the red modules. If that isn't the case and the red modules are really rated at 9-9-9-27, would I still be able to run the 9-9-9-27 combined with the 9-9-9-24 modules or would that cause a problem?

 

[jaquith]

Well RAM IC's can change in a particular model, but that's relatively rare.

Q - What EXACT model do you have now? ; I need a link

Q - What EXACT model @ TigerDirect & NewEgg? ; I need both links

Next, double-check your RAM using CPU-z and look at 'SPD' tab; CPU-z - http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html ; example (right = Memory tab ; running) & (left = SPD ; encoded Frequency/CAS/Voltage)

In general, it's not good to mix-match RAM and in particular: Frequency, CAS Timings and Voltage.

 

[The_Assassin]

I am using Corsair Vengeance 8gb 1600. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144

Patriot Viper 3 Black Modules from newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220685

Patriot Viper 3 Red Modules from Newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220738

Patriot Viper 3 Red Modules from TigerDirect. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4355855

 

[jaquith]

The 'Viper 3 Series' series really refers to the heatsink design then anything else, so the following should shed some light. Also, if your want more RAM and have the Corsair Vengeance model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 then my strong advice is to purchase a second set if the goal is 4x4GB (16GB).

Otherwise IF you want to mix Red + Black then get the Corsair Vengeance model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9R - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233180 Both Corsair Vengeance kits use the SAME IC's and the only difference is the color of the heatsinks.

The 'red' PV38G160C9KRD and 'black' PV38G160C9K and 'blue' PVI38G160C9K, and the 'red' has a different IC and the black/blue 'appear' to have the same IC's but only looking at the full XMP/JEDEC is the only way to assume they are the same IC's.

Red PV38G160C9KRD are DDR3-1600 9-9-9-27-2N @ 1.50v ; official link - http://patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=5&catid=34&prodgroupid=232&id=1317&type=1
/Intel or AMD/

Black PV38G160C9K are DDR3-1600 9-9-9-24-2N @ 1.50v - http://patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=5&catid=34&prodgroupid=232&id=1251&type=1
/Intel or AMD/

Blue PVI38G160C9K are DDR3-1600 9-9-9-24-2N @ 1.50v - http://patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=5&catid=34&prodgroupid=239&id=1278&type=1
/Intel 'stamped' series, but it'll work on either/

 

[scout_03]

specs on patriot are same as newegg 9-9-9-27 http://patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=5&catid=34&prodgroupid=232&id=1317&type=1 also call venom red and the black are 9-9-9-24 http://patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=5&catid=34&prodgroupid=232&id=1251&type=1 also call black mamba see this new one that will match your black one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233180

 

[The_Assassin]

The 'Viper 3 Series' series really refers to the heatsink design then anything else, so the following should shed some light. Also, if your want more RAM and have the Corsair Vengeance model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 then my strong advice is to purchase a second set if the goal is 4x4GB (16GB).

Otherwise IF you want to mix Red + Black then get the Corsair Vengeance model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9R - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233180 Both Corsair Vengeance kits use the SAME IC's and the only difference is the color of the heatsinks.

The 'red' PV38G160C9KRD and 'black' PV38G160C9K and 'blue' PVI38G160C9K, and the 'red' has a different IC and the black/blue 'appear' to have the same IC's but only looking at the full XMP/JEDEC is the only way to assume they are the same IC's.

Red PV38G160C9KRD are DDR3-1600 9-9-9-27-2N @ 1.50v ; official link - http://patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=5&catid=34&prodgroupid=232&id=1317&type=1
/Intel or AMD/

Black PV38G160C9K are DDR3-1600 9-9-9-24-2N @ 1.50v - http://patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=5&catid=34&prodgroupid=232&id=1251&type=1
/Intel or AMD/

Blue PVI38G160C9K are DDR3-1600 9-9-9-24-2N @ 1.50v - http://patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=5&catid=34&prodgroupid=239&id=1278&type=1
/Intel 'stamped' series, but it'll work on either/

Well I need something low profile and I didn't like the look of the corsair memory. So I am assuming I can't mix and match the red and black due to having different IC's? I guess I will just get the black modules then.

 

[jaquith]

Okay what HSF?

Literally, about the only 'color coordinated' RAM kits I can think of are the Corsair kits -- with the same IC's. Mushkin Red & Black 'series' use different IC's, G.SKILL has red/blue/black but they're different IC's, and Patriot 'might' be okay (I'd call to confirm the IC's):
PV38G186C9K - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220692
PV38G186C9KRD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220737
Both are DDR3-1866 9-10-9-27-2N @ 1.50v

 

[The_Assassin]

Okay what HSF?

Literally, about the only 'color coordinated' RAM kits I can think of are the Corsair kits -- with the same IC's. Mushkin Red & Black 'series' use different IC's, G.SKILL has red/blue/black but they're different IC's, and Patriot 'might' be okay (I'd call to confirm the IC's):
PV38G186C9K - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220692
PV38G186C9KRD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220737
Both are DDR3-1866 9-10-9-27-2N @ 1.50v

Excellent. I guess I will go with those.

 

[jaquith]

I watched the Patriot's infomercial and it seemed to suggest that for at least the two kits I just posted above they both 'should' have the same IC's.

Frankly if I wanted Red/Black LP (low Profile) those would be my picks for either the Sandy or Ivy Bridge.

Good Luck!

 

[The_Assassin]

Best answer selected by The_Assassin.