Question Which Ram should I buy?

[supashaka]

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4 GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) DDR3-1866
Memory Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 285 2 GB Video Card
Case: Corsair SPEC-03 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: XFX TS 650 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply
Monitor: BenQ GL2250HM 21.5" 1920x1080 60 Hz Monitor
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard With Optical Mouse

I don't want to waste the 8GB I already have. Can I get DDR4 and do I have to get the same speed/latency? Do I have to get Kingston brand same model again?

I want to get a single 16GB stick and use it alongside the 8, is it possible? I use mostly for internet browsing and a little for gaming too (main reason for wanting to increase ram). Thanks.

 

[Phaaze88]

Can I get DDR4?

Not compatible. DDR3 and DDR3L only.

I don't want to waste the 8GB I already have... Do I have to get Kingston brand same model again? I want to fet 1 16GB stick and use it alongsidw the 8, is it possible? Thanks. I use mostly for internet browsing and a little for gaming too (main reason for wanting to increase ram).

The issue is that mixing memory kits is a gamble. No one can give you a concrete answer as to whether kit A will work with kit B.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't - even if you buy the same stick later. The manufacturers only guarantee stability on modules that were packaged together.

The best suggestion is to get a new 2x 8GB or 2x 16GB kit and try to sell the single stick... or throw it in a drawer somewhere.

 

[supashaka]

Not compatible. DDR3 and DDR3L only.


The issue is that mixing memory kits is a gamble. No one can give you a concrete answer as to whether kit A will work with kit B.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't - even if you buy the same stick later. The manufacturers only guarantee stability on modules that were packaged together.

The best suggestion is to get a new 2x 8GB or 2x 16GB kit and try to sell the single stick... or throw it in a drawer somewhere.

I had no idea it was so risky, I guess I could only do so If I knew the store accepted returns after opening, which I imagine nobody would offer! Such a shame and so wasteful. Thank you for the info though.

 

[geofelt]

A perennial question.
Here is my stock answer:

Ram is sold in kits for a reason.
A motherboard must manage all the ram using the same specs of voltage, cas and speed.
The internal workings are designed for the capacity of the kit.
Ram from the same vendor and part number can be made up of differing manufacturing components over time.
Some motherboards, can be very sensitive to this.
This is more difficult when more sticks are involved.

If you do buy more disparate sticks, they should be the same speed, voltage and cas numbers.
Even then your chances of working are less than 100%
I might guess 90% success for intel and less for amd.

What is your plan "B" if the new stick/s do not work?

If you want 16gb, my suggestion if you have an intel motherboard is to buy a 2 x 8gb kit that matches your current specs.
Then, try adding in your old 8gb,
If it works, good; you now have extra ram.
If not, sell the old ram or keep it as a spare.