Should I try mixing old and new ram?

DeumBelli

Distinguished
Jun 24, 2014
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18,690
So ever since got the gtx 1080 it seems my ram usage went up a bit. Maybe because i only have 8gb ram and the 1080 has 8gb vram? In fact the ram usage can go pretty high it seems like games use more than they did with my 970. Because i got close to 80% usage with only ESO running right as i launcched it. As you can see this can be a problem for when i will have multiple programs running and browsers open like i normally would.

Anyway i was planning on buying a new 2x8 kit of ram for 16gb. It will be a different brand but the speeds and voltage will be the same. Should i try running all 4 modules together? (my old 2x4 with my new 2x8) Im just asking on here because i have little knowledge when it comes to memory and i was wondering if i can put my old 8gb ram to use instead of sitting in my closet doing nothing like my old gtx 970.
 

InvalidError

Titan
Moderator
There should be no harm in trying. Worst case, you may need to lower the DRAM clock frequency, loosen timings or ditch your old 2x4GB kit.

I strongly recommend doing a 10+ hours memtest86 burn-in to verify that there aren't any readily detectable data and address errors, just in case. I've had to spend several weeks sorting out corrupted files due to a bad DIMM once by not following my own advice, I wouldn't want to have to do that again.