Do I need the same RAM?

Hrlyrdr22 · Dec 21, 2015

Currently got 8GB crucial DDR3 1600
I want 12GB or 16GB of RAM, can I buy another 8GB of Corsair Vengeance and stick it in?

I know dual-channel needs the same RAM, but how about if the two groups are different?

That sounds confusing, so here. | | | | I got four ram slots.
2 | 2 | I'm using two slots, marked as "2".
Most people recommend it to be 2222 so all 4 sticks are the same.
I'm about to do 2323, so the coloured slots are the same, but the black slots are different sets.

KenZen2B · Dec 21, 2015

The main thing to look for when adding memory different types is the speed of the memory and quality. You should never add memory that is slower that the memory you current have.

So just find two 4GB memory modules and place them in the MB memory connectors that show they are going to be in the same pair.

Gingerbread · Dec 21, 2015

Only thing you need for dual channel is:
Symmetrical memory slot on the mobo (usually they are coloured for example slot0 is red and slot1 is black so you need to place both in the same colour)
Same size meaning if your first stick is 8gb then the second has to be 8gb as well, if it's 4 it won't work.

You don't need same manufacturer (though it's recommended because sometimes different rams don't like each other, hence why they are sold in "bulks"). You don't need same ram speed (though its preferred to be the same because if you get another 8gb 1333mhz then your 1600mhz will slow down to 1333mhz to match the slowest module).
You don't need the same timing, though it goes the same as the memory speed mentioned above.

Hrlyrdr22 · Dec 21, 2015

Gingerbread :

Alright, both the one I got and the one im buying is DDR3 1600. I dont understand timings so nevermind that, I've currently got 2x4 GB of Crucial RAM without head spreaders. I want to buy a single 4GB stick of Corsair Vengeance, still DDR3 1600. This will work, yes? I got 3/4 slots filled with all 4GB of DDR3 1600.

Gingerbread · Dec 21, 2015

What is your motherboard. Unless you have quad-channel, then you won't be able to run in dual mode, since those 2x4gb are already running in dual, so only option is quad if the motherboard supports it. List your motherboard if possible.

SBennett13 · Dec 21, 2015

Don't mix match RAM kits. You should just buy a separate 16GB kit if you are looking to upgrade to a larger size. Your dual channel kit now may not be compatible with another dual channel kit of the same kind. Quad channel kits are tested before sale to make sure of compatibility.

jay_rogers · Dec 23, 2015

It will be better to use the same type of RAM in different slots.

Tradesman1 · Dec 23, 2015

ANY time you mix DRAM - it's a crapshoot, might work, might not, never know till you try - even if you get an identical set to what you already have, Items, 2-5, 6 among others here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

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Do I need the same RAM?

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