Adding 2x8GB RAM to existing 2x4GB RAM (different brands)

sebastiangora91

Reputable
Nov 10, 2018
25
0
4,530
Hello,

I currently have this memory installed: Ballistix 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz CL9 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.5V.

I was thinking of buying a kit of 2x8GB memory, however, the memory I am using is currently unavailable and store recommended this kit instead: HyperX Savage 2x8GB 1600MHz DDR3 CL9.

My question is: Would there be an issue if I added this 2x8GB memory to my existing 2x4GB memory because they are of different brands? I have 4 slots in my Mobo, so I guess they would work fine in dual channel (4-8-4-8)? Thank you guys in advance for any help.
 

sebastiangora91

Reputable
Nov 10, 2018
25
0
4,530
In my case, speeds are the same but brands are different, but I guess I will not know if I won't try. Will the 2x8 HyperX sticks perform the same as the 2x4 sticks in case I face issues and decide to completely replace my Ballistix with HyperX?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Either set should work fine on its own.
Combining them, maybe not.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Anything not sold as a specific set runs the risk of not working well together.
 

boju

Titan
Ambassador
Depends what you do with your pc to stress memory. Could be all dandy playing a game but what if, if there's a problem you'll eventually know. That's if mixing ram gets you to Windows.

Run memtest64 to be sure of memory stability. Look it up.

I asked you a questions earlier if you missed them. Questions to see if you're on an OS capable of 24GB because Win7 Home is limited to 16GB and what kind of motherboard you have because they also have limits.

You might as well be in spec to improve your chances but these questions need to be asked since you haven't included your system specs. The question was already asked what OS youre running so probably missed that too.

Mixing ram aside and troubles it can cause the questions were about making sure you're ok to take the jump.
 

sebastiangora91

Reputable
Nov 10, 2018
25
0
4,530
Yea I think I will just try it, if it won't work I will just sell the 2x4gb kit. The question is if the hyperx are also a good ram sticks and if they will perform as good as my ballistix did. Other than that, thank you guys for help. It is my first time asking a question here and I am very glad that you managed to answer all my questions thoroughly.
 

sebastiangora91

Reputable
Nov 10, 2018
25
0
4,530
I have one last question, is it ok for me to put the ram in like that: 4-8-4-8, instead 8-4-8-4? is it the same? I am worried that the HyperX is to thick to fit in the first slot due to my CPU Cooler, I have Silentium Spartan 3 PRO and it leaves just a little space for my ballistix to fit in.
 

sebastiangora91

Reputable
Nov 10, 2018
25
0
4,530
I added the new sticks and it works. However, the timings switched to 11-11-11-28 and command rate is 2T, So i don't know if it wouldn't be better for me to just remove the old 2x4GB sticks and keep the 2x8GB so they work in 9-9-9-24? Or maybe there is a way to make them work as CL 9 instead of CL11? I removed the 2x4GB sticks, and the 2x8GB sticks still operate in 11-11-11-28, only the command rate went down to 1T from 2T. I don't even know if there is much sense in trying to get them to work in CL9 performance wise...
 

boju

Titan
Ambassador
What order are they? Might make a difference if they were 8 4 8 4 but if you cant get to first dimm then leave it if its running fine.

Lower cas is better but doubt you'll notice any difference in gaming. But if you want to try them running at CL9, either set xmp or if you've set xmp already then try setting your memory manually and replace 11 11 11 28 with 9 9 9 24. Can leave command rate on 2T.

As for the 2 8s still being set to CL11, id say loading xmp again with those should return them to CL9. If not then it might help to change from xmp to manual - save change and exit - then go into bios and set xmp again. Could also just load bios defaults as well then change xmp but that'll reset all settings, not sure you want that.

Check with CpuZ under spd tab for each slot. In the timings table what does xmp column say for each memory?
 

sebastiangora91

Reputable
Nov 10, 2018
25
0
4,530
The sticks are working in the 8 4 8 4 order. I was just concerned that the CL increased from 9 to 11, i haven't set xmp. Is it even possible to run all 4 sticks in 9-9-9-24?

As for CPUZ,

Slots 1 and 3 (8GB):
Frequency - 800mhz
CAS# Latency - 9.0
RAS# to CAS# - 9
RAS# PRECHARGE - 9
tRAS - 27
tRC - 36
Command rate - blank
Voltage - 1.500V

Slot 2 and 4 (4GB):
Frequency - 800mhz
CAS# Latency - 9.0
RAS# to CAS# - 9
RAS# PRECHARGE - 9
tRAS - 24
tRC - 37
Command rate - 2T
Voltage - 1.500V

I also noticed another thing, after adding the new ram, my C drive free space has lowered drastically, is it because of the pagefile? Should I leave it on auto or enter the pagefile size manually?