Should i get another stick or buy a new kit?

[Harshil34]

I had bought this single stick of 1×8gb
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 8GB 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2400 (PC4 19200) Intel Z170 Platform / Intel X99 Platform Desktop Memory Model F4-2400C15S-8GVR



Will buying another exactly same work in dual channel? Or i have to buy new pair of two 8gbs. My motherboard is gigabyte B150M D3H. Is there any difference between one i own and the dual kits that are available? Because i cant find this model on gskill website! The one there is written F4 2400C15D 8gvr! Pls help me out.

 

[Flyfisherman]

Hi,

Both Yes and No.
It can work, but nothing I will recommend, still since you already have an expansive ramstick...
Yes, try it or sell it and buy a new set?

First only you can decide depending of how much and which memory demanding programs you are using.

Second:
When it comes to memory's there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Always install memory sticks from one memory kit. They are matched together.

2. Always make sure that the chosen memory's is indeed supported by the motherboard and its processor.
Different types of memory's, different frequencies, timings etc. the memory stick with the lowest speed will always set the speed for the rest of them.

3. Very important that the voltage of the memory are supported by the processor; meaning that a memory stick with to much voltage let say 1.7V when the processor spec. clearly says 1.5V - will damage and shorten the processors life span.

4. Make sure that the height of the memory modules can fit under the CPU-cooler (if it is not original).

Use a memory configurator such as
Corsair http://www.corsair.com/en-us/memory-finder
Kingston http://www.kingston.com/us/memory/search/options
G-Skill http://www.gskill.com/en/configurator
Etc.

But even then, som memory manufacturers recommend memory's with a little bit to high voltage, so make sure that the CPU manufacturer specs for that particular model of CPU is followed regarding the memory voltage.
Otherwise it will shortened the CPUs lifespan. Over Clocking is always a risk.

For ex. a processor of 2:a generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 of Sandy Bridge alt 3: generation "Ivy Bridge" etc. these should have 1,5V +/- 5%- memory's.

For DDR3 memory: 1.5 volts, plus or minus 5%
For DDR3L memory: 1.35 volts, plus or minus 5%
For DDR4 memory: 1.2 volts, plus or minus 5%

• 
  With that said, You can of corse buy another memory stick of the same kind, but if You encounter any problem, just go into the BIOS Advanced mode and lower their timings, or start with running the under 2133MHz or 1866MHz, then You should be just fine.

Best regards from Sweden

 

[Harshil34]

So should i sell it and buy a new kit?

 

[Flyfisherman]

Ok. You can do like this and then decide...

Keep it and it will work, only to remember that if any problem occur, then just lower the timings a little bit in the Bios.
Now, how to determine this?

I will be back with an instruction...

 

[Flyfisherman]

The basics of all home brewery, is to taste before, and then adjust.

So, download Intels LinPack memory and CPU stress test.
It is very demanding, so make sure that Your CPU cooler is working well.

1. There are a special edition which I recommend of this Intel LinPack called LinX
Download LinX http://linx.en.lo4d.com/

2. It does not matter where You put it, it contains no installation files, just name a directory like LinX and save it there.

3. You will also need too keep an close eye to the temperatures and therefore
download and install HWMonitor (free) http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html
To the left download the free version.
Obs! during installation make sure that you untick any third part s/w. I always recommend this procedure no matter what on any free s/w. Ok.

Then, in the HWmonitor window there are three columns:
Value= shows the actual readings from all the sensors including temperatures and voltage
Min and max speaks for itself.

4. restart your computer.

5. Wait for at least 3-4 minutes until the system stabilize itself.

6. Start HwMonitor, move the window to the right side of the monitor, adjust the size.
Example:

7. Start LinX

8. In the window, move it to the left side and adjust.

9. LinX and this is just an example from my old SandyBridge 2600K OC, but the principle is the very same:
The menu looks like this:

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Adjust according to the picture.

10. Then next step:

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You will to have to click in the upper area, where it says: Memory : All
It will then use the remaining memory for the test.

11. Then chose 20 times and click Run.
12. Test is very demanding and do no even touch Your mouse nor keyboard, but keep close control on the temperatures.
And make sure before, that your monitor will not switch off - due to energy saving things. Turn of all such - before.

13. When everything is done, then in the right column where it says 'Residual (Norm) all numbers must be equal to The numbers in the next column to the left where it says Residual.

If there is a problem, an error with red text will occur, shut down the PC, restart and Enter BIOS-setup and lower the timings, first try to lower their speed (frequency).

15. Run the test again.

Good luck from Sweden

 

[Tradesman1]

Simply put there are no guantees when mixing DRAM from different packages, it's a 50/50 crapshoot. Might play nice, might not. Best to get full amount in a single package, see items 2 and 6

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

 

[gskill support]

Let us know if you encounter any problems, we can always provide a solution.