[SOLVED] RAM Sets

[kennethrjones.cs]

Why does RAM being in the same retail box matter? I bought 32 GB of RAM and 1 of the sticks is bad. People keep recommending I return the entire set instead of getting the one that's bad replaced.

If its the exact same RAM why does it matter? Is there some manufacturing process that makes RAM from the same box work together?

 

[Lafong]

If its the exact same RAM why does it matter? Is there some manufacturing process that makes RAM from the same box work together?

Two "exact same" (same part number; same name, same brand) are not exactly the same. They may be highly similar. They may work well together or not. I don't know what the tolerance level is to cause 2 sticks not to be eligible for a kit.

All RAM sticks are tested when manufactured. If 2 sticks test very close to each other, they are candidates to be sold in the same box as a "kit". A matched pair.

You can buy a single stick and it might work fine with your other stick, but it's less likely than a matched pair sold as a kit.

Take your chances or not. Up to you.

 

[kerberos_20]

rams are factory tested together, its to avoid compatibility issues
even if they look like they are same, they may not be same at all, can be different PCB, or different ICs while having same part number
memory controller with mixed sticks may not be stable

am pretty sure ram makers also have those notes stated aswell somewhere on theirs sites
like here on g-skill webpage
https://www.gskill.com/specificatio...-TZ5RS-F5-6000U3636E16GA2-TZ5RS-Specification

Additional Notes

• Do not mix memory kits. Memory kits are sold in matched kits that are designed to run together as a set. Mixing memory kits will result in stability issues or system failure.

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

So I shouldn't use 2 sets of 16 GB to get 32 GB? I couldn't find a 4 x 8 GB on Amazon.

 

[kerberos_20]

I don't know what the tolerance level is to cause 2 sticks not to be eligible for a kit.

each memory IC needs to be trained individualy during startup
timings might be totally off of the other stick

 

[Lafong]

So I shouldn't use 2 sets of 16 GB to get 32 GB? I couldn't find a 4 x 8 GB on Amazon.

If you want 32 total, try to get one kit of 2 x 16 rather than one kit of 4 x 8.