More information about ram and compatability

[sleepking]

My current mobo is able to use to the max 24 GB of ram i currently have 6 bg of ram but i want to get a 12 gb combo form newegg.

So i ask can i just add the ram to the left over slots on my mobo or should i just use 12 gb and forget about the 6 i have right now?

this is the ram pack i'm getting
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-061711-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231358-L05B

This is my current ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335

 

[jaquith]

Most X58 can have a combination of 2GB or 4GB as long as they 'match' Frequency, CAS Timings, Voltage and IMO IC's {same brand/type}.

The simplest and best advice I can give you is to get another EXACT set of the 3X2GB that's already installed.

Mixing the (2) with diffent CAS Timings is a recipe for failures and a waste of both your time and money.

Best advice get, 2 matching sets, 6X2GB of G.SKILL PI Series 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7T-6GBPI

The following are the problems; you get the WORST of both:
1600 7-8-7-24-2N @ 1.50v
1600 9-9-9-24-2N @ 1.50v
===================
1600 9-9-9-24-2N @ 1.50v

IF you're lucky and manually set the Frequency, CAS Timings, Voltage it 'may' work. The problem is even retarding the PI Series it's IC's are still faster and may produce errors. I personally would NEVER do this mix, but I've seen worst. Voltage and to a degree Frequency are impossible barriers.

Recommendation = Don't mix and get another set of PI Series.

Good Luck!

 

[Leaps-from-Shadows]

I would recommend doing one of two things:
1. Buy another of the exact kit you have now.
2. Buy the new 12GB kit and use that only -- sell the 6GB kit you have now.

By the way ... is there a specific reason you think you need more RAM? For most triple-channel system users, 6GB is enough.

 

[sleepking]

I'm trying to run 8 VM's at a time and running vista on 512 mg hurts.
Can i lower the settings to the 6 gb set and have them run together? i don't understand why slowing ram down is bad. they both have the same valtage.

 

[jaquith]

If I were running 8 VM simultaneously first it wouldn't be on any consumer platform unless it's play time, and next I wouldn't be Jerry-rigging unmatched RAM together unless I had an affinity for loosing data or taking-down a rig.

The problem is the mixing itself, it creates an unstable environment. Think of RAM like an atomic clock where CAS = 1/Billionth second {CAS 9 = 9/1,000,000,000 of a second} now imagine the CPU's IMC having to deal with time variances.

Therefore, get 2 kits of F3-12800CL9T-12GBRL or whatever is compatible for your MOBO and if maxing the RAM on your X58 you may need to disable memory protection.

IMO get a server board, Xeon(s), Registered ECC RAM and a MOBO that supports more than 24GB if this has anything to do with business.

 

[sleepking]

Best answer selected by sleepking.