Adding new RAM to existing RAM

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KiwiTony

KiwiTony

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Jan 3, 2015
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Hi guys,

First of all I apologise if this thread has been covered somewhere else, however, I would just like to get answers about my own specific PC setup rather than speculate whether or not another thread similar to mine answers my question.

So my question today is whether or not I can add more RAM to my PC. Currently I have a Gateway FX6840 that came with 4GB DDR3 RAM - Dual Channel (2x2GB). I am currently looking to purchase another 2x2GB RAM.

The RAM I'm looking at can be seen here:
http://www.computerstore.co.nz/pc-components-motherboards-video-cards-nz/memory-desktop/corsair-4gb-2x2gb-ddr3-1600mhz-xms-kit-ddr3-for-mb-i7-i5-core-dual-channel-ddr3-processors

So if I purchase this RAM, could I just plug it right in to my two empty slots? Could I expect any problems in the short or long term? Is this even a good idea?

Thank you.
 
Solution
Tradesman1
It's a crapshoot - and would be even if they were the same exact model of DRAM you currently have - there are many that will tell you it's perfectly fine, but if you look through the forums you'll find tons of people that have tried exactly this (mixing and are here looking for help to try and get the new DRAM to play with the old. In short ANY time you mix sets/packages, it can be and often is problematic, best to get a single package of the full amount you want....If you do try and have problems, give me a shout, often thay can be helped to play nice w/ voltage/timing adjustments, but no guarantees ;) I generally have good luck
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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It's a crapshoot - and would be even if they were the same exact model of DRAM you currently have - there are many that will tell you it's perfectly fine, but if you look through the forums you'll find tons of people that have tried exactly this (mixing and are here looking for help to try and get the new DRAM to play with the old. In short ANY time you mix sets/packages, it can be and often is problematic, best to get a single package of the full amount you want....If you do try and have problems, give me a shout, often thay can be helped to play nice w/ voltage/timing adjustments, but no guarantees ;) I generally have good luck
 
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Solution
KiwiTony

KiwiTony

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Jan 3, 2015
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I see, and I kind of knew that I would have an answer like this. So, I guess the next question would be...

If I do go ahead and buy this extra RAM, install it and what not, what sort of damage would I be doing to my PC? Is it a case of unplug the new RAM and go back to normal or..? (Provided I added the new RAM and things go sour).

If it does work fine after booting back up after installing RAM am I in the clear? Have I succeeded?

Thanks.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Jun 5, 2013
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Biggest damage might be to the wallet/billfold - if theyy won't play at all could be looking at returns, postage if bought on-line, restocking fees etc....as far as the rig, it simply won't start or run - no big deal, reset the CMOS and either go with the old or the new, but as mentioned, DRAM is sort of a specialty and I've helped hundred (or more) get mixed sets to play - just wanted you to know it's not guaranteed - too many on the forums often tell people "yeah no problem, it'll be fine" which is easy to do when it's not there money they are talking about ;)
 
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Scar89

Scar89

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Oct 26, 2011
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Find the band and model of your ram and try and get a similar set and you should have no problems. Or check your motherboards ram compatibility list on its webpage/manual and get an 8 gig kit listed on there.
 
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synphul

synphul

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Mar 11, 2011
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Oem motherboards (gateway, lenovo etc vs a diy built) may be more picky about ram compatibility. I try to match ram speed and timings, but have mixed ram even without the same timings on 3 different builds with no issues. Typically the faster ram defaults to the speed and timings of the slowest ram. I've had 2x2gb geil evo 1 ddr2 mixed with 2x2gb patriot ddr2 with different timings and I've also had geil evo corsa 2x4gb ddr3 1333 mixed with 2x4gb team zeus ddr3 1600, no issues either time. Again though these were on aftermarket gigabyte boards (different models) and not oem boards. Maybe gigabyte boards just play nicer with a wider variety of ram.
 
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KiwiTony

KiwiTony

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Jan 3, 2015
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Thanks for the advice guys, I'm not so sure on how to find out how much RAM my motherboard can take

2me2zwx.jpg


Any help? Also if you could help point me in the direction of what RAM i should be looking at.

Thanks!
 
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