Can i use 2 x 4gb with new 1 x 8gb?

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Gbz Goldenboyz

Gbz Goldenboyz

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Apr 15, 2014
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Does it possible to use 2 x 4gb with new 1 x 8gb My motherboard is M5A97 LE R2.0 and Now i have 2 * 4 gb G.Skill RipjawsX DDR3 4 GB (1 x 4 GB) PC DRAM (F3-12800CL9S-4GBXL) and im planning to buy new "G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL10S-8GBXL" does it will work now i have using the 2x 4gb in alternative slots does new 8gb will work?
 
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T_T
You can mix RAM, but you shouldn't. Mixing RAM will limit you to the worst specifications of the mixture. To add on to what atljsf mentioned, Dual Channel doubles the max theoretical bandwidth of the RAM by allowing the use of 2 x 64-bit buses; however independent studies have shown that the gain is marginal at best. Still, the 5% gain is better than nothing.

What you should be more concerned with is compatibility in the settings.
For example, F3-12800CL10S-8GBXL requires 1.5v and timing of 10-10-10 to get you the 1600 speed, where as the 12800CL9S-4GBXL requires 1.5v and timings of 9-9-9 to get you the 1600, which means if combining these DIMMs, you'll have to set the RAM latency to 10-10-10 and could cause instability. Unlikely...
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atljsf

atljsf

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Jun 17, 2015
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that will not make the ram operate in dualchannel

it is also possible that the new module or the board refuses to work in that configuration

it is more simple to buy a 2x8 ram kit knowing it will operate well together than have a bad surprise and have to return the new ram module
 
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T_T

T_T

Splendid
Jan 13, 2010
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You can mix RAM, but you shouldn't. Mixing RAM will limit you to the worst specifications of the mixture. To add on to what atljsf mentioned, Dual Channel doubles the max theoretical bandwidth of the RAM by allowing the use of 2 x 64-bit buses; however independent studies have shown that the gain is marginal at best. Still, the 5% gain is better than nothing.

What you should be more concerned with is compatibility in the settings.
For example, F3-12800CL10S-8GBXL requires 1.5v and timing of 10-10-10 to get you the 1600 speed, where as the 12800CL9S-4GBXL requires 1.5v and timings of 9-9-9 to get you the 1600, which means if combining these DIMMs, you'll have to set the RAM latency to 10-10-10 and could cause instability. Unlikely, but possible.

You'd be better off with the 2 x F3-12800CL10S-8GBXL kit, as opposed to your proposed mixture.
 
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