using 2 different ram sticks x2 4gb and 1 8gb

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EEG SEXTANT

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Feb 9, 2014
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would it be possible to use x2 4gb ram sticks and 1 8gb and later another one ddr3


i have :Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600MHz 8GB CL9

i want another 2: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600MHz 8GB

would i gain the full 8gb from the 1 stick?
 
Solution
nukemaster
OK Windows 7 ultimate can take more memory than the home version.

I just wanted to make sure you did not get over 16gigabytes on a Windows 7 Home system.

For best results, I do recommend getting a pack that contains both sticks packaged for use as a pair. You can try to add it with the existing set, but at least if it does not work out, you will still have the 2 sticks and 16gigabytes to use in dual channel mode.
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HR_Luka

HR_Luka

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Jul 29, 2014
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Well, if it was the same size it MIGHT work. There is a big problem with that though as they aren't tested together and that could cause a lot of issue. But when it comes to different size modules I really doubt it.
 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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Nov 23, 2004
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Do you want 2 x 4 gigabyte and 2 x 8 gigabyte sticks or 2 x 4 gigabyte and 1 x 8 gigabyte?

Both may work with the right board/cpu/os support.

Now running an uneven number if sticks can lead to the system falling into single channel memory mode. This can have a performance impact for sure. In the best case your board would run the first 8 gigabytes with dual channel and the last as a single if you had 3 sticks. This is a flex mode offered on many boards.It is not perfect, but works.

You also have to look into compatibility issues, no all boards or operating systems will allow extra ram(over 16 gigabytes for Windows 7 Home Premium). In rare cases a system will simply not like sticks that are not sold in sets. I have only seen it 2 times, but it DOES happen. In this case it could be a simple fix with more voltage or looser timings/slower speeds, but in other cases it will simply refuse to get along.

Most boards have a list of tested memory and it is generally recommended to get sticks in pairs for system you are using and a set of 4 if you want to fill all slots. I have had very good luck mix and matching memory, but it just takes on time of it not working to leave you with memory you have no other use for.
 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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Nov 23, 2004
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Your manual seems to indicate you the board can run this config with the 2 smaller sticks operating in dual channel and the last portion operating in single channel.

It is higher recommended to have the exact same spacs, but listed as possible. When working into the single channel section, performance may be less than optimal.

What OS are you running.

It may be better to just save for a matched set of 8 gigabyte sticks.
 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

Titan
Nov 23, 2004
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OK Windows 7 ultimate can take more memory than the home version.

I just wanted to make sure you did not get over 16gigabytes on a Windows 7 Home system.

For best results, I do recommend getting a pack that contains both sticks packaged for use as a pair. You can try to add it with the existing set, but at least if it does not work out, you will still have the 2 sticks and 16gigabytes to use in dual channel mode.
 
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