Gaming with mix matched RAM

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bondrk7

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Oct 2, 2014
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So ive had X2 2g patriot ram cards in my computer, I recently bought X1 4g RAM card and installed it. The old ram ran at 1333 the new one is 1600. I tested skyrim on ultra and noticed it still ran better with mix matched ram and more of it, than with one 4g card. I heard from practically everywhere, the effects should have been the opposite.
BUT occasionally when I first booth the computer, it will not start and begin a series of beeps, yet after a restart it works fine. So is this ok to utilize, or should I just use my new RAM?
 
Solution
MeteorsRaining
It's not a great idea to mix RAMs, as you've heard, it can have varied effects, from basic like no boot to more complex ones like BSoDs, but if your system has adapted well and you're not experiencing such adverse affects, you can continue using both old and new sticks. The beeps you occasionally hear is most likely because of mix matching sticks, doesn't damage anything, but we know its frustating to restart the computer again and again for it to be able to POST.

Check the sticks with Memtest passes, if they don't crash, you're fine, if they do, consider using only the old or only the new.
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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It's not a great idea to mix RAMs, as you've heard, it can have varied effects, from basic like no boot to more complex ones like BSoDs, but if your system has adapted well and you're not experiencing such adverse affects, you can continue using both old and new sticks. The beeps you occasionally hear is most likely because of mix matching sticks, doesn't damage anything, but we know its frustating to restart the computer again and again for it to be able to POST.

Check the sticks with Memtest passes, if they don't crash, you're fine, if they do, consider using only the old or only the new.
 
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Solution
J

jitpublisher

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May 16, 2006
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When upgrading memory there are points to consider.
First, you simply need enough RAM. If you don't have enough RAM, and your computer has to use virtual memory (your hard drive) your PC slows to a crawl.

Now, once you have enough memory installed that the PC does not have to make use of virtual memory, the next thing to consider is "How do I maximize the performance of my memory" You do this by installing matched sets of memory sticks, so that your board can utilize dual channel mode. Its not a huge speed increase, only slight, buts its better than running mis matched sticks. If you install different speeds of memory, all your memory defaults to the speed of the slowest stick. So what you do when are buying to upgrade of course, is buy smart, buy in matched sets, and install that way, so you get the best performance. If you cannot afford to do that, and many people cannot, back to basics then, the best thing you can do is make sure you at least have enough memory in the PC.
 
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Dunlop0078

Dunlop0078

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Feb 13, 2014
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Your lucky it even boots up. But if theres no problems and everything runs smoothly then the ram is obviously compatible. But all your new ram is probably running at 1333mhz and im sure the cas latency and timing is running at whatever your old ram is too.
 
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M

millwright

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Jul 1, 2007
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Having enough RAM is almost always more important than speed.

If it runs you should be OK. Run memtes86 if you are not sure.
You may not have dual channel, without a matched set, but that is no more than a 10% loss.

Going from not enough RAM to enough, can be a big gain, because you take the hard drive out of the mix.
Hard drive caches are dead slow.

If you can see a difference, then it is better.

I doubt you could see the difference between 1333 Ram and 1600, without running a benchmark

With that combo, unless you are setting the speeds yourself, it is running @1333.
 
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