adding additional RAM (DDR4)

Isokolon · Oct 25, 2017

Hello there!

I recently hit my RAM limit and need more memory.

current setup:
CPU: i7-6700k
Mainboard: Gigabyte Z170X Gaming 7
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4-3000 (2x8GB)

I'd like to get more RAM, however there are a few things I'm concerned with.

1) I don't really need 32GB RAM, I was thinking about getting 1 RAM stick of 8GB additionally.
How will this fare with the board? will I lose dual channel performance (guess so?) and how much of an impact does it really make?

2) does it matter in which slot I'll put it? currently it's on slots 2+4 as the Ripjaws are too big to fit under my CPU cooler. So if I were to add another stick, I could only put it in slot 3. Should there be a problem with that`?

3) Ripjaws are exceptionally expensive at my location right now and I'm really low on cash
ADATA RAM is 20€ cheaper (for 8GB!), Crucial & Kingston 10&12€.
what problems am I looking at when mixing RAM brands? my Ripjaws use Micron as OEM I think and I think Crucial uses Micron as well, or am I wrong? so in theory, it shouldn't matter who puts a heatspreader on it, or am I missing something?

4) furthermore: anyone can talk has personal experience of adding DDR4 RAM? I did it once on my old computer (Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1066 on a AMD Phenom II platform. worked without any issues). Is DDR4 rather forgiving for adding RAM or a pain? (I've heard so many horror stories about the DDR2 days...)

thank you for your help!

hellraiser06 · Oct 25, 2017

Question is what do you use this PC for and what are you using that has hit the RAM limits? Answer depends on whether your workload favors more RAM performance or more RAM.

tommyducker19 · Oct 25, 2017

1. You will lose Dual Channel if you add in one stick. Performance lose is hard to say. Yes you will loose some but not know what the PC is used for it's hard to say if you will notice.

2. If you are just adding one stick I don't think it will matter. But check your motherboard manual or the manufacturers website.

3. Mixing RAM brands can cause issues. If you are going to mix brands try and get the same timings and voltage to match the RAM you already have. This should minimize problems.

4. I haven't had any issues with adding RAM. The only thing you may want to check is the motherboard memory compatibility. Some boards will let you use all slots but only at a certain speed. So you might be able to run Brand A RAM with 4 sticks at 2400Mhz but with 2 sticks you can run at 3000MHz.

When you add RAM you will usually get a message on boot saying the PC configoration has changed and if you want to enter the BIOS.

I hope that helps.

Isokolon · Oct 25, 2017

hellraiser06 :

well I'm recently getting to 98-100% RAM usage, and things start to slow down at this point, so more RAM is necessary

1. You will lose Dual Channel if you add in one stick. Performance lose is hard to say. Yes you will loose some but not know what the PC is used for it's hard to say if you will notice.

2. If you are just adding one stick I don't think it will matter. But check your motherboard manual or the manufacturers website.

3. Mixing RAM brands can cause issues. If you are going to mix brands try and get the same timings and voltage to match the RAM you already have. This should minimize problems.

4. I haven't had any issues with adding RAM. The only thing you may want to check is the motherboard memory compatibility. Some boards will let you use all slots but only at a certain speed. So you might be able to run Brand A RAM with 4 sticks at 2400Mhz but with 2 sticks you can run at 3000MHz.

1. some gaming, some multitasking, some video&audio works
2. mainboard manual doesn't specify use of 3 slots. seems to be quite uncommon^^. manual does specify 1/2/4 sticks but isn't specific about the combination
3. thx, that's reassuring
4. well it's a 200€ board so I reckon it should work. there are some 64GB, 4 slots 3000MHz kits on the QVL

Satan-IR · Oct 25, 2017

I wouldn't mix and match different RAM although it's an Intel platfrom.

I have seen cases where having more memory modules actually adds to the work load (stress) on CPU as the memory controllers now dwell inside them and not on the board.

Plus having 3 sticks might make them all work in single channel or the two in tandem and the one in single channel.

I would go for 2x16GB to have the CPU controller have to deal with 2 sticks and not 3-4. I have had some weird problems with GeIL and Crucial sticks.

RAM being forgiving or not apart from the whole platform and generation difference depends on the CPU and the mobo. I have added more DDR4 to a friend's AMD system with no problems (same make/model/timing... identical) and have added more to an Intel Z170 board which went berserk!

In a nut shell, don't crowd the slots and don't mix and match. If you can (emotionally speaking

) let go of the G.Skills and get 2x16 same brand/clock/timing preferably ones that are rated/tested and sold as dual channel in a single pack.

Isokolon · Oct 25, 2017

Satan-IR :

thanks for the insights.

only problem is, a single 8GB stick (which would be enough additionally) is around 80 bucks
a 2x16GB kits are starting at 265 which isn't an investment I can committ to right now.

I don't care about the RAM bein G.Skil or whatever (had the thought occured to me that the Ripjaws are 42mm high, I would have never bought them in the first place) but I do care about making rent next month

Satan-IR · Oct 25, 2017

Isokolon :

Satan-IR :

thanks for the insights.

only problem is, a single 8GB stick (which would be enough additionally) is around 80 bucks
a 2x16GB kits are starting at 265 which isn't an investment I can committ to right now.

I don't care about the RAM bein G.Skil or whatever (had the thought occured to me that the Ripjaws are 42mm high, I would have never bought them in the first place) but I do care about making rent next month

I understand now that you've added some context to the situation. Go for an additional 8GB stick if you can find identical to the ones you have might be plus.

Even used RAM, as I'm sure you know RAM is either working or faulty. If you can get some testing time I wouldn't say no to used RAM as I have bought and used them occasionally.

Hope it all goes well.

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adding additional RAM (DDR4)

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