Mixing Ram In System

Oct 6, 2017
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I have a Crucial Ballistix Sport - DDR3 1600mhz 4GB CL9 1.35 V, in my system. I was planning to buy a Corsair XMS3 DDR3 2 GB 1333 MHz CL9 1.5 V. But i dont know if it fits in my system. My motherboard is a msi a78m-e35
 
A motherboard needs RAM that is all the same speed (check manual for compatible speeds) so in this case DDR3 1600mhz. People have tried but lets just say it never really was stable.

Just get another 4GB stick from online that is the same as your current one and bob it in.

Some say you have to buy them in groups of 2 or 4 (IE dual channel) there is a small amount of difference between single and dual stick performance but so little that you you shouldn't even be bothered about it.

 
RAM can be kinda finicky. Mixing and Matching RAM, even of the same model, does not always work. This is why RAM is sold in kits as the sticks are tested with each other to ensure compatibility.

Your best option is to look for another stick of the Ballistix Sport. But there is a chance that it wont work. If you go with the XMS3, there is a bigger chance that it wont work.

If you want to guarantee that it will work, buy a 8gb kit and sell your 4gb stick.
 


I said it does not always work, I did not say that it wont work.