[SOLVED] Adding a new RAM for a dual channel, question about compatibility and combinations

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xivizor

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Dec 22, 2017
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Hi. I currently have a DDR4 8GB 2400MHZ RAM Memory.

My question is, do I need the exact same model if I want to add another 8GB for a 16GB, dual channel? (2x8). Do I need the same combination of the same model, for an instance Hynix and HyperX could work together?

Obviously I would check my CPU RAM Support first, but if it is compatible do I need both RAM sticks to be the same or is it OK if both are not the same?

Thank you so much, it's not taken for granted the time you put to help me out.
 
Solution
Solandri
97% of the RAM for sale is made by Samsung, SK Hynix (South Korea Hyundai Electronics), and Micron (the only U.S. manufacturer - they sell under the brand name Crucial).

All the other RAM brands like G.Skill, HyperX, Corsair, Mushkin, Kingston, etc. simply buy RAM from one of these three manufacturers, and places it on their own PCBs. Then dress them up with fancy coolers and LEDs before selling it to you. They buy whichever manufacturer's RAM is cheaper that week, so even if you buy identical model numbers, you're not guaranteed to get identical RAM. Even if you buy manufacturer-brand RAM, because RAM bought at different times comes from different batches (if not different factories), they may still have problems working together...
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Rogue Leader

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Dec 22, 2014
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Many times even if you buy the identical RAM it doesn't work together thats why its sold in kits for dual channel.

The best chance you have of this working is to buy the identical ram. Buying a different brand even of he same spec, has a good chance of not working.
 
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Solandri

Solandri

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97% of the RAM for sale is made by Samsung, SK Hynix (South Korea Hyundai Electronics), and Micron (the only U.S. manufacturer - they sell under the brand name Crucial).

All the other RAM brands like G.Skill, HyperX, Corsair, Mushkin, Kingston, etc. simply buy RAM from one of these three manufacturers, and places it on their own PCBs. Then dress them up with fancy coolers and LEDs before selling it to you. They buy whichever manufacturer's RAM is cheaper that week, so even if you buy identical model numbers, you're not guaranteed to get identical RAM. Even if you buy manufacturer-brand RAM, because RAM bought at different times comes from different batches (if not different factories), they may still have problems working together. That's why it's recommended to buy a RAM kit when building a new system, rather than mixing and matching. The modules in a kit are from the same manufacturer, same factory, and come from the same manufacturing batch. So they're most likely to work with each other.

That said, in my experience, mixing and matching RAM works 98% of the time. I've only had a RAM upgrade fail to work a few times out of more than a hundred upgrades I've done. (I keep old RAM sticks from client systems which were upgraded past the motherboard's capacity, and try those sticks first when another client requests a RAM upgrade.) Nearly all stores allow free returns of RAM which fails to work. So unless the store you're buying from charges you a restock fee or makes you pay return shipping, I'd just try adding more identical-spec RAM first. It's less hassle than trying to sell your old RAM.
 
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Solution
Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

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Dec 22, 2014
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Also interestingly enough all 3 manufacturers use the same machines in some of their factories, made by my prior employer. (I did not work on the machines or anything). Still they all use different "recipes" and run the machines differently. They also are using silicon wafers from various suppliers. Hence the issues that are sometimes seen mixing them.
 
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xivizor

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Dec 22, 2017
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How can I check the precise RAM model I've got so I could buy exact same one? I can't remember the model I purchased. I can't recall if it's either Micron or Hynix
 
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