Can I use separate kits (same model) for two dual-channel slots?

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kghastie

kghastie

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I understand that using memory purchased separately (and therefore from a different bin) can create compatibility issues when used in the same channel. However, my board is dual-channel, with 4 different slots. Does that mean that I can pair two different kits of the same make/model, but purchased separately? In other words, is the "don't mix bins even of the same model" rule only within a channel?

My Machine
The slots on my board are

DDR3_2
DDR3_1
DDR3_4
DDR3_3

I have the current memory in 1 and 3 (Channel A). I need to upgrade to 16GB (and the 4x4 kits I see are all listed as "quad-channel"). Can I get the identical model (2-3 yrs later) and put the two sticks in Channel B?

If there are problems, is it just bluescreens I'll face, or is it something that could damage my system?

See my prior post here: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3327781/mix-ram-kits-manufacturers.html

Thanks!
 
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clarkjd
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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Getting two matched kits(even same make/model/brand/etc) to work together is problematical at best, impossible at worst. The symptoms would range from blue screens to black screens, to freezes, but I doubt that it would cause any permanent damage. I would recommend either getting a "quad-channel kit (4x4GB) or a 2x8gb dual channel kit for the best possibility of success.
 
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kghastie

kghastie

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So there are a lot of choices, and the ones I checked I can't tell if they have been validated with my 7-yr-old mobo. DDR3L is new to me, and I'm not sure what the best option is to maximize compatibility with my current system (see original post) and also be future proof if I decide to get a new board and cpu in the next couple of years.

Could you recommend one of these kits? And is going with a 4x4 kit of something not validated against my old board safer than getting a second 2x4 that was tested and is compatible with my mobo?

https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20601190327%204814%20600006073%204115&IsNodeId=1&LeftPriceRange=0%20120&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=36

Thanks.
 
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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Stay away from DDR3L memory. it is a different voltage from your current kit.
I was in a similar position as you recently. I have a 2x4gb kit of Corsair ram, and ordered a second 2x4gb kit with the exact same model number. It DID NOT work. The QVL is not the end-all-be-all of memory compatibility. That list is of memory tested by the MB manufacturer to be compatible, but at a certain point, they stop testing for new memory. Go to the memory manufacturer's website. look at their memory finder tool. tell it what mobo you have and it will tell you the memory that they make that they have tested to work in your motherboard.
 
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kghastie

kghastie

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First, thanks a lot, @clarkjd for your ever-present question-answering on here (you helped me with a bizarre memtest issue with my first build (and I'm still running modern games/video processing on it 7 yrs later)).


1. Does this only apply if I am trying to get a 2nd kit of the same model (which I realize you don't recommend)?


2. Unfortunately, the configurator on the g.skill site no longer has P55 as an option under chipsets to choose for under Gigabyte. The one link I have found that supposedly pointed to my board on the G.Skill site (in 2010) no longer works. I don't think the configurator works on a board as old as mine now? Or do I have the chipset wrong or something? I tried Gigabyte in the first dropdown and then looked for P55 in the second dropdown.


So above is a narrowed down list from newegg that look like potential options. My questions based on your prior responses would be:

3. Which is safer? (A) Two non-binned, same-model kits that have been validated to work with my board (they were validated 7 years ago)? or (B) A single 4x4 kit that has not been validated with my board.

And if the answer to #3 is B, which 4x4 kit should I go with to maximize my chance of success (with a secondary priority of cost and future-proofedness)?
 
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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1. Yes, it does, but it also refers to the low voltage requirement of DDR3L. You can only set the ram voltage to one value. I don't know if your board will go that low for ram, especially if your other kit is a higher voltage set(1.5 or 1.65 volts).

2. You are right about the Gskill memory tool, I couldn't find your chipset either. You may be able to give Gskill a call and get a live person to help.

3. Since we don't have the configurator to back us up, I'd say your chances of failure between the two paths is roughly equal. Sorry, I can't guess any better than that. As for being "future-proof", I'd say that with any memory that is not DDR4, we have already passed that point. DDR3 will only get more expensive as fewer and fewer motherboards support it. DDR3 is certainly not going to be usable in any newer motherboards.

Hope this helps!(WoW 2011 was it THAT long ago?)
 
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kghastie

kghastie

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Thanks, this helps. So it sounds like:

    ■ The best option is to check directly with G.Skill (and/or Gigabyte) to see if they can recommend a compatible 4x4 kits.
    ■ After that it's a tossup, but there's not much advantage to me getting anything above 2200 or DDR3, since I can't get to DDR4, future-proofing is a lost cause (as it usually is).
    ■ If I get a new kit, DDR3L might be compatible but could have issues if my board doesn't support that low of a voltage.
    ■ And if I am just matching my current kit, DDR3L is out of the question, and I should get the same model kit to pair with it (assuming I can't find a good 4x4 kit).

One extra note: I found mention that someone had used 2x8GB successfully. Would this be preferable in terms of power usage if it sounds viable?

It's the last post here (and others in this thread): http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=1087097
And also here: http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=1083529
 
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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You are spot on. A 2x8gb kit, since it is only two modules, has a better chance of working "out-of-the-box" than trying to match your current 2x4gb kit with another, or going with an unverified 4-channel kit. Power-wise, I don't think 2 or 4 sticks of ram will make a significant difference.

Good Luck!
 
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