Upgrading ram to 16GB DDR3

[TheWho515]

Hey,
I want to upgrade my ram from 8gb to 16gb because 8gb is simply not enough.
I have a 2x4gb kit (cml8gx3m2a1600c9B)
I cant find this kit for sale where i live at, so im thinking about buying another 2x4gb kit with the same speed voltage and latency.
This is a kit with the same specs (CMD8GX3M2A1600C9) would this work good with my existing kit?
Also I would like to know what performs better, 2x8gb kit or 4x4gb kit?
I could just buy a brand new 2x8gb kit but I rather save money.
Thanks

Edit: forgot to name the cpu and mobo
CPU: I7 3770
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-D3H

 

[englandr753]

It's normally not a good idea to mix different ram kits. Maybe you could sell your kit on ebay and take the money and put towards the larger ram kit.

 

[azaran]

In general it's best not to mix and match RAM. You open the possibility for all sorts of problems. That being said, it can work. The only way to know is to roll the dice and try it. But, if you have the cash to swap out the RAM, it'd be the best solution all around.

As for which works better, 2x8GB will have less latency and put less strain on the memory controller than a 4x4GB.

 

[TheWho515]

It's normally not a good idea to mix different ram kits. Maybe you could sell your kit on ebay and take the money and put towards the larger ram kit.

Why isn't it a good idea? Is it a risk or will just work badly?

 

[TheWho515]

In general it's best not to mix and match RAM. You open the possibility for all sorts of problems. That being said, it can work. The only way to know is to roll the dice and try it. But, if you have the cash to swap out the RAM, it'd be the best solution all around.

As for which works better, 2x8GB will have less latency and put less strain on the memory controller than a 4x4GB.

I guess I'll just get a 2x8gb kit. Thanks
Money wasn't really the issue I just wanted to see if I could save some cash or not.

 

[englandr753]

Like Azaran said, it could work but if it doesn't, you'll be kicking yourself having to deal with the issue.

Different ram modules and different brands have slightly different voltage/timing requirements and if you get two different ram sets with different operating ranges, it will be unstable.

 

[azaran]

^ What this guys said. Unless it's your only choice, its just a crap road to deal with if anything goes wrong with the compatibility between sets.