What specs must I match to have "matched" RAM?

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luckycharms

Distinguished
May 16, 2009
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Hi Folks,

I have a Dell M3800 with an 8GB stick in it (specs below). I'm looking to up it to 16GB, and I'm wondering what specs I need to match in order to have "matched" RAM? Do I need to get the exact model number the same? Timings? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!


Code: 
Memory SPD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIMM #				1
	SMBus address		0x50
	Memory type		DDR3
	Module format		SO-DIMM
	Manufacturer (ID)	Samsung (CE000000000000000000)
	Size			8192 MBytes
	Max bandwidth		PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
	Part number		M471B1G73DB0-YK0  
	Serial number		37DAEF0B
	Manufacturing date	Week 13/Year 14
	Number of banks		8
	Nominal Voltage		1.35 Volts
	EPP			no
	XMP			no
	AMP			no
JEDEC timings table		CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency
	JEDEC #1		5.0-5-5-14-19 @ 380 MHz
	JEDEC #2		6.0-6-6-16-22 @ 457 MHz
	JEDEC #3		7.0-7-7-19-26 @ 533 MHz
	JEDEC #4		8.0-8-8-22-30 @ 609 MHz
	JEDEC #5		9.0-9-9-24-33 @ 685 MHz
	JEDEC #6		10.0-10-10-27-37 @ 761 MHz
	JEDEC #7		11.0-11-11-28-39 @ 800 MHz
 
Solution
B
Matching frequency, voltage, and timings will help. Ideally, you'll want a stick of the exact same model number.

However, there is never a guarantee that mixing memory kits will work. They often don't for no apparent reason even with two modules of the same model number. Raising voltage manually in the BIOS a bit can help, but there's no guarantee.

The best thing would be to buy a new 2x8GB kit and sell the current module you have. That guarantees compatibility. Modules in kits are tested to be sure they work together.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148730&cm_re=BLS2K8G3N169ES4-_-20-148-730-_-Product

promo code for discount:
EMCAVPA37
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parthtrivedi

parthtrivedi

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2012
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Usually any 8gb ddr3 stick will do, and the bios will adjust the timings and speed and will make both run at the slower speed /timings.
However these days I have seen a few people coming with problems such as two different sticks not working (also it is not recommended that you use diff sticks)

So I would strongly recommend that you buy the exact same Stick and considering its a ddr3 pc12800 it will be available easily.

Hope this helps!
 
Upvote 1 Downvote
B

blazorthon

Glorious
Sep 24, 2010
14,022
7
43,265
Matching frequency, voltage, and timings will help. Ideally, you'll want a stick of the exact same model number.

However, there is never a guarantee that mixing memory kits will work. They often don't for no apparent reason even with two modules of the same model number. Raising voltage manually in the BIOS a bit can help, but there's no guarantee.

The best thing would be to buy a new 2x8GB kit and sell the current module you have. That guarantees compatibility. Modules in kits are tested to be sure they work together.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148730&cm_re=BLS2K8G3N169ES4-_-20-148-730-_-Product

promo code for discount:
EMCAVPA37
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
George Mulligan

George Mulligan

Reputable
Sep 20, 2014
922
0
5,360
Even if you buy the exact same model, they are not guaranteed they will work together. RAM sticks are only assured to work together if they are sold as a 2-pack kit (after testing by the manufacturer). You should consider buying a new 2 x 8GB kit.
 
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