Question about compatible memory! Help please.

[weegsta]

Hello all! I ordered 4gb of memory for my 1st custom made computer and wanted to put some more in it but really dont see myself needing 8gb so I thought about settling with 6gb. So here is my question (forgive me for I am a first time builder) Do I have to have the same brand memory or can i get the same specs in something cheaper? I really just wanted a 2gb stick to make it six. Oh, and it is a dual channel if that helps. Here is what i ordered.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

 

[clarkjd]

What memory do you have now? In order to stay in dual channel mode, you DO have to add ram in Pairs.

 

[jaquith]

^+1 AND what MOBO do you have now? If you a Dual Channel then 2X__GB or Tri Channel 3X__GB. Yes, you are better off to 'match' the ICs as well e.g. Brand/Type, and obviously Frequency, all CAS timings, and Voltage.

 

[weegsta]

I worded that wrong lol, the RAM in the link above is the ones I have in it now. Here is my MOBO.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157200&cm_re=880_gxh-_-13-157-200-_-Product

 

[clarkjd]

You could get a 2GB kit (2x1GB), or even another 4GB kit(2x2GB), but unless you are using a 64-bit OS, anything more than what you have now will be a waste, as a 32-bit OS couldn't use it anyway.

 

[weegsta]

Yeah I have 64 bit.

 

[jaquith]

I'd get a second set of F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL ; 8GB offers the ideal performance.

Good article -> http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ram-memory-upgrade,2778-8.html