Same ram needed for dual channel?

[TORO_THE_CAT]

On my computer i have 1 stick of 4gb ram and 3 extra slots. So i want to add 8gb in 2 4gbs modules. but i do not know if i have to get the same ram model of what i already have, the same speed, or nothing at all in order to running dual channel. Can some please help?

 

[bxoulidis]

a different ram module would probably work,but i would not recommend that because mixing different ram modules can cause various problems.

 

[TORO_THE_CAT]

So it's best for me to find the same ram used in my PC now?

 

[davmazin]

try to get a similar stick to the one you have so you wont have much problems since its a real pain and your computer might end in a loop and never boot until you remove one pair or the one you have which is painfully enough

 

[InvalidError]

In order to run dual-channel, the memory configuration on each channel must be a nearly exact match as far as the memory controller is concerned. You cannot have 2x4GB on one channel and 1x4GB on the other and the timings/clocks cannot be different for any module. (Although it is usually possible to down-clock faster modules to match the slowest.)

If you want to run dual-channel, you will have to ditch your current 4GB or get a second matching 4GB DIMM.

You can still run dual-channel with asymmetrical configuration but the memory controller will run them in interleaved mode which usually does not perform as well.

 

[TORO_THE_CAT]

try to get a similar stick to the one you have so you wont have much problems since its a real pain and your computer might end in a loop and never boot until you remove one pair or the one you have which is painfully enough

So if mine is a 4gb ddr3 and 1600 Mhz stick i would look for one with similar specifications?

 

[TORO_THE_CAT]

In order to run dual-channel, the memory configuration on each channel must be a nearly exact match as far as the memory controller is concerned. You cannot have 2x4GB on one channel and 1x4GB on the other and the timings/clocks cannot be different for any module. (Although it is usually possible to down-clock faster modules to match the slowest.)

If you want to run dual-channel, you will have to ditch your current 4GB or get a second matching 4GB DIMM.

You can still run dual-channel with asymmetrical configuration but the memory controller will run them in interleaved mode which usually does not perform as well.

OK i think i understand. So to run better i should get the 2 4gb pack and just remove the 4gb card i have left?

 

[InvalidError]

OK i think i understand. So to run better i should get the 2 4gb pack and just remove the 4gb card i have left?

That would be the simplest and safest (as in most likely to work properly with little to no fuss) way to do it.

 

[davmazin]

yes similar specifications or the very same brand and type you have for the ram modules so you encounter less problems