Buy RAM now and buying more later

adam1901

Reputable
Aug 23, 2014
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4,510
Hi,

I am in the process of building a gaming, video editing and development computer.

I currently have a few components and am planning to get the others next week.

I have a:
Asus rampage 4 black edition
4930k
H100i
750D Case

And I'm looking into 16GB RAM kits from corsair, Dominator plantinum.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00B3OV4DE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
(Possibly with different timings)

However was eventually thinking of fill up all 8 DIMM slots by just getting another kit each month. Reading some tutorials on ASUS's website it stated that: "DO NOT COMBINE MULTIPLE MEMORY KITS, EVEN IF THEY ARE THE SAME MODEL".

So my question, is getting a kit a month a good idea (of the same model) or should I bite the bullet and get a 64GB kit for like £500 (Which will take a while to save up for)

Thanks

Adam
 
Solution
Geofelt is correct, mixing DRAM - even sets that are the same exact model can be and often is problematic - and here you are contemplating looking at 4 sets, which makes it even worse. DRAM is sold in a variety of sets to fit all occasions and needs - and all the sticks in a set are tested to play nice together which is why the larger (number of sticks wise) sets run more than equivalent sets of a smaller number of sticks. Also, the XMP programming is by the individual set and advanced timings will differ from a 2 stick package to a 4stick to a 8 stick - so may end up needing to set up those timings manually)

Another thing to consider is when mixing sets it often takes additional voltage to stabilize them, so in your scenario - you...
Ram is sold in kits for a reason.
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.
That is why ram vendors will NOT support ram that is not bought in one kit.
Although, I think the problem has lessened with the newer Intel chipsets. Still,
it is safer to get what you need in one kit.

There are always some slight differences in each stick, and ram vendors go to considerable pains to insure that the whole kit will work together. That is one reason why kits with more sticks can cost more.

I suggest you buy all in one kit if you can.
Fancy heat spreaders like the dominator ones are mostly marketing and are not necessary at all.

Also, the intel ram controllers are very good at feeding the cpu with needed ram data. Fast ram does not bring significant app performance.
If your apps can use 64gb, buy a 64gb kit up front, even if it is 1600 ram.

Whatever, go to a ram vendor web site and enter your motherboard into their ram selection app.
Buy a kit that is supported.
 

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Geofelt is correct, mixing DRAM - even sets that are the same exact model can be and often is problematic - and here you are contemplating looking at 4 sets, which makes it even worse. DRAM is sold in a variety of sets to fit all occasions and needs - and all the sticks in a set are tested to play nice together which is why the larger (number of sticks wise) sets run more than equivalent sets of a smaller number of sticks. Also, the XMP programming is by the individual set and advanced timings will differ from a 2 stick package to a 4stick to a 8 stick - so may end up needing to set up those timings manually)

Another thing to consider is when mixing sets it often takes additional voltage to stabilize them, so in your scenario - you might be having to increase DRAM voltage as well as the VCCSA each time - which in effect based on my work on numerous 2011 socket mobos will take the VCCSA well in excess of it's recommended max

Contrary to the above estimate of 99.5% for it working as you suggest, I'd place it at more like 20% (if that), and that would be a very, very hot mobo/DRAM combo
 
Solution

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Even with 4GB sticks and lower freqs it can still be problematic, 8GB sticks and higher freqs, even more so, chances are good for 8 sticks, even say 1600/9 (entry level), if you pulled say 16 or so sticks right off the assembly line, you might not be able to get a 8 stick set that plays together
 

adam1901

Reputable
Aug 23, 2014
12
0
4,510
The price of a 64GB kit currently is to much. A 32GB will do fine, However if i ever feel the need to upgrade, i will sell the 32gb kit and pick up a 64gb (Or even 128gb as its now supported by x79 :) )