Question Mixing RAM ?

[tlavanway3]

Hello, I'm currently facing the problem of wanting to upgrade my RAM to 64GB because RAM is extremely cheap right now for DDR4 but I can't find the same RAM I currently have in my PC. Apparently I have a rare version of "Gskill Trident Z RGB" RAM that has timings of CL17 19-19-39 at 3600MHZ

I looked up the exact model of my RAM but I only found one for sale thats like 250 dollars, which is insane for DDR4.

Would be it okay if I bought the same Gskill Trident Z RGB 3600MHZ RAM but with CL18 instead of CL17? Would that cause any problems?

 

[triplex1]

Hello, I'm currently facing the problem of wanting to upgrade my RAM to 64GB because RAM is extremely cheap right now for DDR4 but I can't find the same RAM I currently have in my PC. Apparently I have a rare version of "Gskill Trident Z RGB" RAM that has timings of CL17 19-19-39 at 3600MHZ

I looked up the exact model of my RAM but I only found one for sale thats like 250 dollars, which is insane for DDR4.

Would be it okay if I bought the same Gskill Trident Z RGB 3600MHZ RAM but with CL18 instead of CL17? Would that cause any problems?

Code of Ram

 

[Misgar]

Ideally, you should abandon the old RAM and buy a 2 x 32GB kit, especially if you want to run fast XMP memory overclocks. Two DIMMs often clock faster than four DIMMs.

Mixing different kits can lead to instability, especially at faster speeds. If you do have problems with 4 DIMMs, drop the speed to 3400MT/s, 3200MT/s or 3,000MT/s.

 

[triplex1]

Ideally, you should abandon the old RAM and buy a 2 x 32GB kit, especially if you want to run fast XMP memory overclocks. Two DIMMs often clock faster than four DIMMs.

Mixing different kits can lead to instability, especially at faster speeds. If you do have problems with 4 DIMMs, drop the speed to 3400MT/s, 3200MT/s or 3,000MT/s.

In some games, four is faster, don't keep saying that.

 

[triplex1]

Do you have these? F4-3600C17D-32GTZR

 

[SkyNetRising]

In some games, four is faster, don't keep saying that.

On quad channel systems only - server and high end enthusiast.
All desktop systems are dual channel.

 

[Misgar]

In some games, four is faster, don't keep saying that.

Interesting. A quick search revealed this interesting nugget for DDR4 which seems to confirm your point:
https://www.techspot.com/article/1971-more-ram-modules-better-for-gaming/

.... in the tests we've seen all memory used has been single-ranked modules. So when using two single ranked modules for dual-channel operation, the memory is configured as a single rank. However, when using four single rank modules for dual-channel operation, the memory is now configured as a dual-rank.

This can give the four DIMM module configuration an advantage as it allows several open DRAM pages in each rank. Although the ranks can't be accessed simultaneously, they can be accessed independently and this means the controller can send write data to one rank, while it waits for read data previously selected from another rank.

There is a proviso though at the end of the article, which confirms what I was thinking when suggesting two DIMMs might be capable of faster XMP overclocks than four DIMMs.

It's also worth noting that four modules can also limit memory performance in the sense that you might not be able to achieve the same frequency and timings that you could with just two modules. In other words, a straight comparison becomes quite difficult to make as there are a number of variables that need to be considered.

If you're forced to use a lower XMP overclock on 4 DIMMs due to bus-loading, it could negate any improvement in games, over two DIMMs at a faster XMP speed. Apart from FPS scores, it might be difficult to detect the difference of a few percent improvement either way.

Since I'm not into gaming it's a moot point. For the type of programs I run on an AMD rig, there's virtually no benefit to be gained from overclocking system RAM. A benchmark of 2883 at 4800MT/s versus 2897 at 6000MT/s isn't worth worrying about.

 

[Bob.B]

Hello, I'm currently facing the problem of wanting to upgrade my RAM to 64GB because RAM is extremely cheap right now for DDR4 but I can't find the same RAM I currently have in my PC. Apparently I have a rare version of "Gskill Trident Z RGB" RAM that has timings of CL17 19-19-39 at 3600MHZ

I looked up the exact model of my RAM but I only found one for sale thats like 250 dollars, which is insane for DDR4.

Would be it okay if I bought the same Gskill Trident Z RGB 3600MHZ RAM but with CL18 instead of CL17? Would that cause any problems?

Iffy....the only way you will know is to try it.....make sure of the return policy.