Can I mix 2 RAM kits from different manufacturers?

kghastie · Feb 9, 2017

Hi, I have two kits (an older 4GB kit and the 8GB kit I replaced it with). I need to bump up some, and I was wondering if I can install the older RAM at the same time as the current RAM (I have 4 slots), assuming I pair them correctly.

I realize I get the lowest common denominator in terms of speed (so they'd both run at 1333 I assume?) But my understanding is that the real-world effect of this on my machine's performance should be minimal.*

The slots on my board are

DDR3_2 DDR3_1 DDR3_4 DDR3_3

My Machine

- (2 x 4GB) G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 9-9-9-24 | 1.65V
- (2 x 2GB) Patriot G-Series Sector 5 DDR3 PC3-10666 1333MHz (PGV34G1333ELK) 9-9-9-24 | 1.65V
- Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 (rev. 1) (4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets up to 16 GB, dual-channel, DDR3 2200/1600/1333/1066/800 MHz, supports non-ECC/XMP (PDF manual here)
- Intel i7-860
- Windows 10

* I am not an o/c-er, if that helps give an indication of what my standards in terms of performance are like. Not that the fact that I am using an 8-yr-old mobo is a dead giveaway or anything.

jty0yt · Feb 9, 2017

You can do this in theory, I've never done it though. Performance may not be the same as having the same manufacturer tho

Calvin7 · Feb 9, 2017

You think it should be minimal effect of your machine's performance.

There is nothing stopping you from making such combinations. There is no guarantee how it will perform or if it will boot up at all.

JackNaylorPE · Feb 9, 2017

You may see a drop in performance as to make this work, you will have to slow down the 1600 8GB set to get along with the 4 GB 1333 set.

jrrdmchls · Feb 9, 2017

I've always been told not to mix and match ram. But if you really really have to you can, however the RAM will only run as fast as the slowest stick. This may effect system performance/stability.

kghastie · Feb 10, 2017

Well I definitely don't "have to," and yeah I guess the consensus is to not. But free RAM is tempting. I guess it's only $60 to get a matching kit, but I've been warned even against that, since sticks are binned together. But to get above 8GB you need more than one kit anyway, right? So am I that much better off ordering another 8GB of the Ripjaws X (which is still available, although it's 2-3 years later now)? Or if I am not getting 4 sticks from the same bin anyway, does it really gain me that much?

Another way to look at it: Is there anything dangerous about trying it, since I have the 2x2 sticks here? Like, I'm not going to hose my whole system or anything, right? I am just likely to have some periodic glitches and/or blue screens?

And in terms of speed differences, it's my understand that they may not be noticeable between 1600 and 1333? Is there any way to validate this independently? (I'm not sure how to benchmark RAM).

Thanks for all of the answers.

jrrdmchls · Feb 10, 2017

kghastie :

Whatch this: This will explain everything you need to know about memory. Not EVERYTHING but you get it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D8fhsXqq4o

Also if you download CPU-Z you can see your hardware setup in windows when you run it.

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Can I mix 2 RAM kits from different manufacturers?

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