Question RAM upgrade -- adding LPX RAM to existing Corsair RAM ?

[dutchfier]

Currently my PC has 1x stick of CORSAIR VENGEANCE® RGB PRO 16GB DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz C16.

I'm thinking of adding another 16GB stick. Can i opt for LPX/other brands or must I use an identical stick?

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[Aeacus]

Can i opt for LPX/other brands or must I use an identical stick?

Regardless what you do, chances that two individual sticks work together are 50:50.

Further reading, especially the "mixed memory" chapter,
link: https://forums.tomshardware.com/thr...y-ram-and-xmp-profile-configurations.3398926/

That being said, and if you want a guarantee that 32 GB of RAM works at 3000 Mhz speeds, buy a set of RAM, which includes 2x 16 GB sticks, in one, sealed package. This way, you can leave your single stick as a backup (outside of the PC), just in case.

 

[Misgar]

If you cannot afford to buy a new 32GB kit, buy an "identical" Corsair Vengeance 16GB DIMM with the same part number.

It won't be same. It will have different binned memory chips. The SPD values may be different even if has the same XMP overclock setting of 3000MT/s. It might have a different heatsink (who cares).

But, at least you stand a chance of getting it to work with the old DIMM, especially if you're prepared to tweak the Primary memory timings in manual mode (loosen CL/CAS if system is unstable at XMP).

 

[dutchfier]

thanks for all the advice. that being said, if a new 32gb kit (2x16GB) is out of my budget,
1. would a 2x8GB fair better than my current 1x16GB or
2. gamble with an identical 1x16gb (what does 50:50 meant, system not recognizing the new ram kit? or just not being efficient when put together?)

 

[Misgar]

A 50:50 chance can also be described as a 50% probability, meaning it's equally likely it will work, or not work. Without actually trying, it's just a guesstimate.

It's always better to fit pairs of identical size DIMMs in a typical system, to get Dual Channel mode, which is faster than Single Channel mode, if you fit only one DIMM.

If you can't afford a new 32GB kit, buy another 16GB DIMM with the exactly the "same" part number as your existing DIMM. It should work at JEDEC default speed (slower) but you might have trouble involving XMP (faster) without manually adjusting CL (CAS) timings.

 

[dutchfier]

alright thanks

 

[Aeacus]

would a 2x8GB fair better than my current 1x16GB or

Yes. Since with 2x 8GB you'd get dual-channel RAM, which is considerably faster than single-channel you're currently running.

Here is comparison between single- and dual-channel RAM,
link: https://ram.userbenchmark.com/Compa...vs-HyperX-Fury-DDR4-2133-C14-2x4GB/3555vs3554

Both RAMs are same make, model, frequency, CAS Latency and even total RAM amount, but with a diff that one is 1x 8GB and another is 2x 4GB. Same applies when increasing RAM amount and comparing 1x 16GB vs 2x 8GB.

Or if you want to see 1x 16GB vs 2x 8GB then,
link: https://ram.userbenchmark.com/Compa...istix-Sport-DDR4-2400-C16-2x8GB/m228105vs3611

Same brand, frequency, CAS Latency and total RAM amount. Still, diff is essentially double, since dual-channel is double of single-channel.

If you can't afford a new 32GB kit, buy another 16GB DIMM with the exactly the "same" part number as your existing DIMM. It should work at JEDEC default speed (slower) but you might have trouble involving XMP (faster) without manually adjusting CL (CAS) timings.

Question is; but if it doesn't, then what? Do you then reimburse OP? 🤔