Mixing Different Ram Brands

Drachenei · Apr 26, 2016

Hey! I was just curious on something... I saw a really good deal on newegg for 16gigs of DDR3 ram 1600mhz, and I wanted to grab some. But I was curious if I could mix the new ram with my old ram.

My current ram is: Corsair Vengeance 8gigs 1600mhz
New ram is: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600

I don't know if it is worth getting 24gigs of ram, probably seems like a waste, but should I? Or should I just buy another 8 gigs of vengeance ram. Thanks!

Old ram: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345&_ga=1.101507649.1746482576.1457756822

New ram: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231568&_ga=1.267396686.1746482576.1457756822

Legion93 · Apr 26, 2016

In reality, mixing brands of DDR memory can cause problems in some situations. While each manufacturer is supposed to use the same standards, each one has their own spin on the DDR memory protocols. These minor differences can cause operational problems when you start mixing different brands. On the theoretical level, it is possible. However, minor memory problems can cause issues with power usage, responsiveness, and CPU cycling. It can also cause problem with memory retention during program operations or at shutdown or startup. All of these problems may be resolved by using the same brand of DDR memory in all slots on the motherboard.

If your computer already has a certain brand of DDR memory, find out if you can get additional units at a good price. That is the best way to do the upgrade without causing potential issues. If you cannot get a good price on a particular brand, you may consider upgrading all of the memory to another brand at one time.

It's not recommended that you use anything but matched pairs/kits, but you're pretty safe with same model memory. Mixing RAM can result in a lot of headaches. You can try it but there are no guarantees and often two different types of RAM won't play nice together.

However, as long as the frequency matches (speed: 800MHz), latencies (e.g. 5-5-5-18), and voltage (e.g. 2.1V) it should be ok. However to do this it would require you to go into the BIOS and change some stuff, which, if you are a novice should be left alone.

I would generally advise against cross matching memory though, too much of a risk and not worth it. In your case, 24GB of RAM is ridiculously overkill unless you do heavy duty video/photo editing simultaneously. 16GB is even a lot, 8GB is optimal. Of course all depends on your usage.

TJ Hooker · Apr 26, 2016

Do you actually need more RAM? 8 GB should be fine for most people. I know it looks like a killer deal (listed as $50 off), but if you look at overall RAM costs you'll notice that it's easy to get 2x8 GB DDR3 for that price or less. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007610%20601190327%20600006072
So don't feel pressured into buying these just because you're worried about missing out on a good deal.

Tradesman1 · Apr 26, 2016

See my article, items 2 and 6

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

If you try and have problems give a shout and we can try adjustments

jvinsnes · Mar 17, 2018

I know ppl say NEVER mix rams from othe manuefactor or from another kit even if it is the same kit, but i have mixed types, brands, speeds and protocols without any problem. 1600mhz ram is getting outdated, so 24gigs seems like a waste for my opinion. You should probably keep what you have and later upgrade to 16/24GB of ram with 2133mhz

TJ Hooker · Mar 19, 2018

@jvinsnes this thread is almost two years old. I'm guessing the OP made their choice a long time ago...

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