Combining two different RAM brands

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megadei22

Jul 6, 2018
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Hello there.

So I have some Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 2400Mhz incoming (2x 8GB) and I would like to know if there is any stable way for me to combine those with my current Crucial Technology Ballistix Sport DDR4-2400 (also 2x 8GB) that I have currently installed? My Crucial RAM sticks are currently in the second and fourth slots. How would any potential configuration look with additional RAM that is not of the same brand? Would the Corsair ones go in the first and third slots?

I have a MSI Z170A Gaming M7 motherboard and a 6700K processor. I am more than willing to underclock my RAM frequency or whatever it takes to promote stability. I have never attempted to mix brands like this and I just don't how to go about it. Is there something I should think about as far as voltage is concerned or my PSU? Things of that nature. My main concern here is stability.

Grateful for any help.
 
Solution
clutchc
You shouldn't have to remove the battery to reset the BIOS. Just use a screwdriver tip to short the clear cmos pins for a few seconds. (PSU switched off, of course)
And the BIOS has a restore defaults option anyway. No need to reset the BIOS, if you think something you changed is causing issues. With 32GB RAM you may need to start out with default memory speed... leave XMP disabled for now.
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haioko

haioko

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Dec 28, 2013
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As above.

Shouldn’t be a problem as they’re both the same speed.
As long as they’re in the matching slots then I’d just throw them in there, if it posts and boots then check to see if the system recognises the full 32gb.
RAM uses very little wattage. Even under heavy load, so don’t worry about your PSU.

I’m assuming you have a x64 OS as you’re already using 16Gb of RAM already.
 
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megadei22

Jul 6, 2018
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Yes, a x64 OS.

When I do install them and it actually boots should I just let the frequency be at standard and not worry about it? What about XMP? I currently have it active.
 
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haioko

haioko

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Dec 28, 2013
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If I were you, I’d disable XMP and don’t overclock them at first.

If everything runs smoothly stock then you can try and clock them. But remember to clock them as sets. Though, as with all OC you may end up with memory failure messages. In which case, just reset the voltages to standard. You’re doubling the memory so you actually may not need to overclock them.

Really, there is no way to know as memory is obviously sold in sets. So I’d suggest trial and error. You’re not likely to break anything but putting them in. If your post throws anything back that’s dodgy then just take them out.

 
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clutchc

clutchc

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Apr 22, 2009
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I suspect even using XMP will be fine. Or even manual OC'ing. As long as the matched pairs are in the correct slots and they have like timings, they should play nice together. Eventually, one pair will fail the OC before the other. That will determine your max.
 
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megadei22

Jul 6, 2018
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So after much abject failure involving my MB I have finally resigned myself to just using my new Corsairs on their own. I suspect the MB wants me to clear CMOS to allow it to POST with 32GB RAM but the battery release switch is broken and I have no jumper to do it otherwise; I also have to remove the GPU to even gain access to the battery section. Bleh. Still, it booted fine with the newly purchased RAM and that will have to suffice. Maybe I could sell the old ones...

I'm grateful for the feedback I got, however.
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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You shouldn't have to remove the battery to reset the BIOS. Just use a screwdriver tip to short the clear cmos pins for a few seconds. (PSU switched off, of course)
And the BIOS has a restore defaults option anyway. No need to reset the BIOS, if you think something you changed is causing issues. With 32GB RAM you may need to start out with default memory speed... leave XMP disabled for now.
 
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