Corsair vengeance 4GB 1600 variant compatibility

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MuppetThumper

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Apr 16, 2009
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So I bought a new pc that came with 4GB corsair vengeance ddr3 ram and I want to add another 4GB.

Only the 4GB currently installed looks like it was split out from an 8GB dual channel kit. It is one half of this:
http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9.html

My question is, can I add a single module as per the one below without problems? It looks like the tech specs are exactly the same, they just have slightly different model codes.

http://www.corsair.com/en/vengeance-4gb-single-module-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz4gx3m1a1600c9.html

Thanks
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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Just to verify:

If you only have a SINGLE 4GB stick, then yes add another one.

If you have only TWO slots for memory then use the remaining slot. If you have FOUR then you need to refer to the manual for which positions to use. Or you can guess (use both same color; didn't work? try the other color).

IDENTICAL RAM:
If you can get IDENTICAL RAM that's ideal. Try to get the exact same model. If you can't there are no guarantees for stability but get as close as possible (same frequency and CAS). If you don't get the exact same model you can't simply apply the optimal profile either so may have to mess around manually (especially if you get instabilities and need to find a stable frequency and timings).

BIOS:
Sometimes BIOS updates contain new profiles for memory. Make sure your memory settings are optimal (if it shows 1333MHz and should be 1600MHz click "XMP" for Intel or whatever AMD uses to auto-assign settings.

CPU overclock:
Messing with CPU settings can affect memory settings so you might have to play around with both settings if you overclock.

MEMTEST and Prime95:
You should MEMTEST or at least Windows Memory Diagnostic to verify your memory is working properly. I also recommend Prime95 for the CPU and Memory tests.
 
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M

MuppetThumper

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Apr 16, 2009
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Thanks guys.
I did a little more digging and am confident the single module I ordered is basically exactly the same RAM.

I have one stick of the below:
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

and am buying another of this:
CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9

Its the same stuff, just that the first one has come from a pack of two (hence 8G for 8GB and M2 for 2 Memory modules in the pack).
The speed, timings etc are all the same.

So hopefully I can pop it in the right slot on my motherboard and it'll work fine. Might be a struggle getting it INTO the RAM slot though - I have 4 and I'm pretty sure its the third one I'll need to use. The 4th slot is covered by my CPU Artic Cooler 13 heat sink, I think I can just squeeze it into slot 3 but might have to trim some of the heat spreaders!

 
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