Can I use two sets of memory from different brands?

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DanielCofour

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Sep 25, 2014
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So both sets of RAM are a 2x4GB 1600Mhz CL9 (9-9-9-24) DDR3-s, clocking at 1.5v. But one set is a Corsair Vengeance Pro and the other a G.Skill Ripjaws X series. I'm guessing the PC should boot and work with both in them, but would it cause lag or random stuttering in games? I know it's not as ideal as a dual-channel 8GB, but I already have one sets and the other one is at a 50% discount.

And if I can use them with no problems , two follow up questions. I'm guessing that is does matter which slot I'm putting the sets in(as in 1-3 and 2-4 slots on the mobo(Gigabyte z97x Gaming 5) are dual channel so one set should go in slots 1-3 and the other 2-4).

[strike]And the other question, can I still enable XMP, or is that out of the gate? [/strike]

Scratch that, just checked, the 4690k can't handle anything above 1600Mhz, so XMP is out of the question anyway..
 
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Tradesman1
Many good points above, just to add a few more as DRAM has 'progressed' there are sets out there, notably the Kingston Furys which are set to run under PnP as opposed to the 'norm' of XMP so can run into problems mixing them. Another is many DRAM manufacturers are using high denisty 4Gb modules where in many older sticks 2Gb memory ICs were used, these often have problems playing. Then there's the long time, "any time you mix DRAM it can be and often is problematic' and that includes sets of the same exact model.

Also while you normally aren't going to hurt any of your hardware, as mentioned above a few times, if they 'play' but are not set up correctly, it can lead to BSODs - which can tank your OS, so make sure you have and keep...
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DanielCofour

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Problems such as? Some BSOD's or actually damaged modules?
 
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VincentP

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Oct 18, 2013
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You certainly won't damage anything, and you won't have problems in Windows. If the memory isn't compatible one of two things will happen, either it won't be detected or the machine won't boot. Simply removing the memory that is a causing a problem will fix it.

The common line is that mixing memory, even of the same brand can potentially have compatibility issues. Buying a kit means the modules have been tested together so this is ideal. Saying that though, I have added RAM with the same timing from a different brand to existing computers a number of times without any issues. It is very unlikely you will have problems.

As you write, the Core i7 4690K (and all other current Intel CPU models) are specified with DDR3-1600 memory.
People frequently however use faster memory with these CPUs.
When you insert the memory it will default to DDR3-1600. You can then use an XMP profile to run the memory at it's rated speed. This is over clocking the memory controller in the CPU. This isn't relevant though if buying DDR3-1600. Don't try to run memory above it's rated speed.

If you wanted faster memory, buy a 2x4GB kit of DDR3-1866 or DDR3-2133.
This will offer a small performance gain over the DDR3-1600 modules you are looking at.
I don't expect the difference to be noticeable, but there are people who swear by faster memory.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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Many good points above, just to add a few more as DRAM has 'progressed' there are sets out there, notably the Kingston Furys which are set to run under PnP as opposed to the 'norm' of XMP so can run into problems mixing them. Another is many DRAM manufacturers are using high denisty 4Gb modules where in many older sticks 2Gb memory ICs were used, these often have problems playing. Then there's the long time, "any time you mix DRAM it can be and often is problematic' and that includes sets of the same exact model.

Also while you normally aren't going to hurt any of your hardware, as mentioned above a few times, if they 'play' but are not set up correctly, it can lead to BSODs - which can tank your OS, so make sure you have and keep backups.
 
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