Corsair dominator ram

[npowers86]

i have a question about ram. i am using a gigabyte p55 ud3 board and have 2 2gb sticks of corsair dominator 1333 ram for a total of 4 gb. i was wanting to upgrade to 8 or 12 gb. my question is can the other two stick be differet, like 4gb each? and also could they be 1600mhz or do they have to match and be 1333 thanks!

 

[rolli59]

They can be different but is not recommended. If you mix ram speeds then they will run at the lower setting. I would suggest that you go with a 2 x 4gb kit 1600MHz and just replace the two you have.

 

[npowers86]

ok cool thanks for the reply

 

[npowers86]

Best answer selected by npowers86.

 

[jaquith]

...If you mix ram speeds then they will run at the lower setting.

Yes & No, Yes Frequency -- No CAS timings. Yes, you are better off not to mix-match Frequency, CAS, Voltage or even manufacturer, and buy in Matched Sets for Dual/Tri Channel MOBOs.

Just to clarify, example:

1600 8-8-8-24 1.65v
1333 9-9-9-23 1.65v
===============
1333 9-9-9-24 1.65v

Where it gets 'tricky' is the Voltages, and if the SPD CAS timings are different for Matching Speeds.

Frequency - Use the lowest number {slower}
CAS timimgs - Use the Highest numbers {slower}

SPD vs CAS see image below for varying CAS timings; multiply the Frequency X 2. To determine via CPUz install each set individually and compare notes. Use the worst of each set.
1333 8-8-8-23 <== 1600 9-9-9-26 1.65v ; JEDEC #3
1333 8-8-8-24 1.65v
===============
1333 8-8-8-24 1.65v

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Yes, you can mix sizes .... you can mix speeds (will run at lower of two), I wouldn't mix CAS timings. In general minimize the number of things that are different, including manufacturer. The more things that are different, the greater the chance of failure., so best to match originals as close as possible.

Only things that stands out from my past experience is that I rarely have luck adding new Gskill modules to existing modules from Corsair, Crucial and Muskin .... never been able to determine why.

 

[rolli59]

Yes & No, Yes Frequency -- No CAS timings.

I guess I could have said slower settings instead of lower!

 

[jaquith]

I/We knew EXACTLY what you meant. Everyone, wants the OP to have good success.

Just clarifying.