Ram Type Clarification

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dark_matter86

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Dec 18, 2013
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Initially I had 2 ram slots installed with 2x4gb DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz) and 2 slots were free.

Now I upgraded my ram and added 2x4gb DDR3 PC3-10700 (667 MHz) for the two slots which were free before.

Now in the summary of my ram information I see the info as 16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 665MHz (9-9-9-24).

Now what has happened here. Can anyone explain.
 
Solution
Supahos
2x4gb DDR3 PC3-12800 PC 12800 is 1600 MHz ram. (800 MHz but since is DDR (dual data rate) ram you double that number to get the effective MHz). The second kit is PC 10700 which means 1333 MHz (667 with the same doubling to = 1333 MHz)


I would leave what you have in there, If you buy another 1600 MHz (PC 12800) kit you still may end up only running at 1333 MHz, or it might not work at all. They sell memory in kits for a reason its not a volume discount they hand test groups of sticks to ensure they work together as a group, anytime you start adding untested sticks together it may or may not function as the label says it should. The speed difference between 1333 and 1600 isn't dramatic and I think you'll never see the difference. As...
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dark_matter86

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Dec 18, 2013
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I did a mistake by not checking the ram specs properly while getting them installed.What do you suggest I do.

The retailer has offered to exchange it to the old type of Ram I had previously i.e. DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz) but he also says that I need not worry as it wont make any difference.

Can you briefly explain the types of ram and what do the MHz mentioned represent.

What do you suggest?
 
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Supahos

Supahos

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Nothing has happened here, ram can only run as fast as the slowest stick in the group. You bought 1333 MHz memory so now everything runs at 1333 MHz, all 16 gb are recognized and functioning properly. You can try to OC the 1333 sticks to 1600 if you want, but honestly I would leave it alone, as any time you mix kits you can have much worse results than everything working as it is supposed to.
 
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dark_matter86

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Dec 18, 2013
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Here how did you determine that I had Ram of 1600 MHz prior to the upgrade and the new one is of 1333 MHz.

I got the point where you mentioned where you stated "ram can only run as fast as the slowest stick in the group" but I did not get your advice "but honestly I would leave it alone, as any time you mix kits you can have much worse results than everything working as it is supposed to" where you state to take no further action.

Please clarify.
 
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Supahos

Supahos

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2x4gb DDR3 PC3-12800 PC 12800 is 1600 MHz ram. (800 MHz but since is DDR (dual data rate) ram you double that number to get the effective MHz). The second kit is PC 10700 which means 1333 MHz (667 with the same doubling to = 1333 MHz)


I would leave what you have in there, If you buy another 1600 MHz (PC 12800) kit you still may end up only running at 1333 MHz, or it might not work at all. They sell memory in kits for a reason its not a volume discount they hand test groups of sticks to ensure they work together as a group, anytime you start adding untested sticks together it may or may not function as the label says it should. The speed difference between 1333 and 1600 isn't dramatic and I think you'll never see the difference. As I said you can try to OC the whole set to 1600 if you wish.
 
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dark_matter86

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Dec 18, 2013
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Thanks for the detailed explanation. The retailer has said that he would replace the whole set to PC3-12800 Ram. In that case I would not be facing any issues right.
 
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Supahos

Supahos

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If you mean whole set as in take back the old stuff and give you a 4x4gb kit of 12800 it shouldn't be an issue, if you mean just take back the 1333 and replace them with 1600 it will be hit or miss. Is this a custom PC or a storebought? If custom it has a very good chance of working either way. If its a dell/hp/whateverelsethereis then it'll be maybe 50/50 it will come down to the bios picking a speed and you having to hope its the right one.
 
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dark_matter86

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Dec 18, 2013
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I mean just take back the new 1333 and replace them with new 1600. Is this case what make you say that It may be a hit or a miss since all the ram will be of 4x4gb of 1600 MHz speed.

BTW Its a Lenovo W530 Thinkpad.
 
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Supahos

Supahos

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Yes it will be hit or miss, should work but there is no telling what the bios will do when you add the new sticks, you might be still running at 1333 after this. You can't change memory setting in the bios of nearly all laptops. I hope for the best for you, it might work out. Drop a line when you get it going or don't so we can see.
 
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dark_matter86

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Sure, Thanks.
 
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