Question Mixing RAM sizes (1+3) on H67 and Intel Sandy Bridge

[-Jigsaw]

Hello all,

I have come across some cheap second hand-ram modules I'd like to add to my machine.
Currently, I have 4x Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G (DDR3 1333 CL9 2GB).
My motherboard is the Gigabyte H67MA-USB3-B3 and my CPU the Intel i5-2400.

I was thinking of replacing one of the four 2GB modules for an 8GB one, for a total of 14GB.
The 8GB module I'm looking at is the KVR1333D3N9/8G. (though I understand same model code does not necessarily imply compatibility).

My question is, will I be able to use all of the 14GB, assuming all goes well, and should I expect a noticeable performance drop? Is it a problem to have a 2GB and a 8GB module on the same channel?
Basically, I do anticipate the answer of "you can try, can't say for sure", and I intend to, so my questioning is more along of the lines "Is there any reason why it certainly or most-likely WON'T work?".

Thanks

 

[Third-Eye]

Hello all,

I have come across some cheap second hand-ram modules I'd like to add to my machine.
Currently, I have 4x Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G (DDR3 1333 CL9 2GB).
My motherboard is the Gigabyte H67MA-USB3-B3 and my CPU the Intel i5-2400.

I was thinking of replacing one of the four 2GB modules for an 8GB one, for a total of 14GB.
The 8GB module I'm looking at is the KVR1333D3N9/8G. (though I understand same model code does not necessarily imply compatibility).

My question is, will I be able to use all of the 14GB, assuming all goes well, and should I expect a noticeable performance drop? Is it a problem to have a 2GB and a 8GB module on the same channel?
Basically, I do anticipate the answer of "you can try, can't say for sure", and I intend to, so my questioning is more along of the lines "Is there any reason why it certainly or most-likely WON'T work?".

Thanks

This will make the system run either in a hybrid dual channel mode that is slower than having 2-4 identical modules or it will run in single channel mode or it wont even run. You are better off running 2 of the same modules or mixing 2 different sizes in pairs so 2x2GB and 2x4GB for 12GB as an example.

Edit - Also, if it runs in hybrid mode, that 8GB module will only have 2GB used so it's still the same amount you had before.

 

[Phaaze88]

This will make the system run either in a hybrid dual channel mode that is slower than having 2-4 identical modules or it will run in single channel mode or it wont even run. You are better off running 2 of the same modules or mixing 2 differenent sizes in pairs so 2x2GB and 2x4GB for 12GB as an example.

Edit - Also, if it runs in hybrid mode, that 8GB module will only have 2GB used so it's still the same amount you had before.

OP's motherboard doesn't have a hybrid mode though?

 

[Third-Eye]

OP's motherboard doesn't have a hybrid mode though?

I actually have no Idea which chipsets support asynchronous memory mode, just that some do and it's not always documented in the manual.

 

[Phaaze88]

I actually have no Idea which chipsets support asynchronous memory mode, just that some do and it's not always documented in the manual.

I checked the mobo manual and the memory QVL, and I'm not seeing anything suggesting that it does, but 🤷‍♂️

 

[-Jigsaw]

I see, I suppose I will go with 2x4 + 2x2 and save me some headaches. 12GB should be fine for 1-2 years...

Thanks for the replies!