Adding 16GB RAM to Current System

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raffiy

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Before I spent any money, I just wanted to verify a few details & get some opinions.

Recently, I have developed the need for more RAM. I am currently using 2x4GB 1600 CAS9 @ 1.5V (See here) on a P8Z68-V Pro Gen3.

I was planning on buying two more sticks of the same product, but due to various discounts, it is more cost effective for me to buy 2x8GB 1600 CAS9 @ 1.5V (See here)

So, my questions:

1: Am I correct in the fact that these are equivalent items that only vary in size (i.e. are they compatible)

2: As far as the motherboard goes, is there any particular load order that is beneficial? Should the larger sticks go in slots 1&3, while the smaller go in 2&4? Does it actually make a difference?

3: I am currently using a Hyper 212 EVO cpu cooler. With its current configuration, adding ram to the first DIMM slot would leave an approx. 5mm gap between the DIMM and the intake fan of the cooler. Is this sufficient clearance (the system already runs cool at about 28C idle), or should I move the fan to the back of the cooler and switch it to pull mode?

Thanks for the advice.
 
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Supahos
that is plenty of clearance issue may be installing it without removing the Heatsink. It should work just fine either 1&3 or 2&4, once you go to mixing ram you never know for sure it will work, I would try raising dram voltage to 1.55v if it doesn't work first boot. A little Voltage usually helps things play nicer.
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Supahos

Supahos

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that is plenty of clearance issue may be installing it without removing the Heatsink. It should work just fine either 1&3 or 2&4, once you go to mixing ram you never know for sure it will work, I would try raising dram voltage to 1.55v if it doesn't work first boot. A little Voltage usually helps things play nicer.
 
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raffiy

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I can remove the fan without moving the heatsink, so installation won't be too much of a hassle. Just remove a few clips & I'll be good to go.

Also, as an added benefit to buying 16GB, I can, in the worse case, pull the old 4x2s & still be net positive 8GB...
 
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Supahos

Supahos

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yep I'm not saying not to try it just saying there might be some bios work on your end to get everything acting right afterwards. Assuming the old ram is still in good working order you could always sell them on ebay for probably 75% of what they cost now if they won't play nice.
 
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raffiy

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Just for the knowledge, since you are, by your tag, the memory authority, where does the incompatibility come from? If the 4 dimms have the same timings (CAS & Hz), shouldn't the system see it as a contiguous, linear span of equivalent access time blocks? Or does this go all the way back to DIMM to DIMM manufacturing variance and that whole "the best ram compatibility is with consecutive serial numbers" thing?
 
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Supahos

Supahos

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The chips that are on the memory sticks are all a bit different, and react a bit differently. Additionally even though ram may have same specs the PCB (green part that connects the memory chips together, and to you computer) might have changed slightly so it handles signals differently. There are also more timings than just what the 4 numbers everyone rates, any of those settings could be different. When you buy memory in a kit the manufacturer (at least with a reputable one) has individually tested sticks and found 2 or more than actually have worked together in a system. That is why kits are sometimes a bit more than buying individual sticks.
 
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raffiy

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Thanks for all the information. I guess I'll go ahead and purchase & hope for the optimal case.
 
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