[QUESTION] Mixing Different Latency RAM

Kylster

Reputable
Sep 5, 2014
1
0
4,510
Hey guys, as the title says, I wanted to add 2x2GB of RAM to my current setup.
I'm currently using 2x2GB of G. SKILL ECO F3-12800CL7, but since I can't find the same exact model (I live in Italy, there are not many hardware e-stores), I was wondering if adding a 2x2GB G. SKILL ECO F3-12800CL9 would create any problem.

Another thing that I don't understand is, the CL9 has a 9-9-9-24 latency time, my CL7 have a 7-8-7-24, but if I open up CPU-Z, in the "memory" panel, I get 9.0 clocks - 9 clocks - 9 clocks - 24 clocks as latency, why? If you could answer that second question too you would make my day.
 
Solution
If you mix different RAM together in your computer, assuming they all fit in your motherboard, then your motherboard will choose whatever the slowest RAM is and set that as the default speed. It does that to make sure all the RAM will be compatible and work. CL9 is slower than CL7 so the CL9 speeds are the default chosen speed. The performance difference is barely noticeable for your case probably though so no need to worry much about it!

Cats869

Honorable
Aug 16, 2014
262
0
10,960
If you mix different RAM together in your computer, assuming they all fit in your motherboard, then your motherboard will choose whatever the slowest RAM is and set that as the default speed. It does that to make sure all the RAM will be compatible and work. CL9 is slower than CL7 so the CL9 speeds are the default chosen speed. The performance difference is barely noticeable for your case probably though so no need to worry much about it!
 
Solution
You probably didn't enable XMP, or manually change timings in BIOS when you installed the first kit. The motherboard defaults to standard values, then it is up to the user to enable the performance values. If you choose to try the CL9 model, input the settings and see how the system runs. Do you even know if the system is running at DDR3-1333 or DDR3-1600?