Can I add a second stick of ram later on?

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TobyFB

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Jun 5, 2017
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I currently have 1x4gb ddr4 ram in my system clocked at 2400mhz. I have read threads that say adding an identicle second stick will not work because they have to be bought in a kit, e.g 2x4gb kit. Is this true? Can I buy a second 4gb stick that is identicle to use with my current one to make 8gb?
 
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Swordkd
When you are buying a brand new set, you always buy a matched set of 2x4, or 2x16gb's. You don't buy a separate 4gb or 8gb stick twice. That being said, I'd say there is a good chance that you can run an identical stick of ram with your current one in dual-channel. It's just not guaranteed. For example, me an my wife each bought a set of 2x4gb ram for a total of 8gb. Recently I bought her a new 2x8gb set to replace hers, and I stuck her 2 stick into my system for 4x4gb's. She only has 2 ram sockets. My pc works just fine dual channel using the full 16gb's. However, it is not guaranteed to work in dual channel.

At this time though, I'd save up a bit more and just go ahead and buy a 2x 8gb set. The prices are pretty good, and...
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DRagor

DRagor

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Jan 23, 2017
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It's not like they won't work - there's a chance they won't work. The closer the sticks are to each other in terms of specification, the higher the chance they will work together, however you won't get 100% chance even if you buy two identical sticks, as that is only reserved for buying kits.
 
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Swordkd

Swordkd

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Oct 3, 2012
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When you are buying a brand new set, you always buy a matched set of 2x4, or 2x16gb's. You don't buy a separate 4gb or 8gb stick twice. That being said, I'd say there is a good chance that you can run an identical stick of ram with your current one in dual-channel. It's just not guaranteed. For example, me an my wife each bought a set of 2x4gb ram for a total of 8gb. Recently I bought her a new 2x8gb set to replace hers, and I stuck her 2 stick into my system for 4x4gb's. She only has 2 ram sockets. My pc works just fine dual channel using the full 16gb's. However, it is not guaranteed to work in dual channel.

At this time though, I'd save up a bit more and just go ahead and buy a 2x 8gb set. The prices are pretty good, and I'm starting to think 16gb's should be the minimum nowadays.
 
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