Can You Mix DDR3 Memory Latencies?

[sparda1]

Hi, I'm looking to add some more RAM to my PC and I've read that you can mix different brands without any problems. I currently have 2x2GB G.Skill Ripjaws and the site that I ordered my current RAM no longer sells G.Skill. The RAM I am looking at has the same specs except for the latencies and voltage. Or, could I instead add 2 higher capacity sticks with the same specs to go with the two 2gb sticks, so I would have 2x2gb and 2x4gb?

Also, what is the "2N" in the CAS Latency? The other two sets do not have them at the end.

Current RAM: : G.Skill Ripjaws
Capacity ---------- 4GB (2GBx2)
System Type ------ DDR3
CAS Latency ------ 9-9-9-24-2N
Speed ------------ DDR3-1600 (PC3 12800)
Test Voltage ------ 1.5 Volts
Type ------------- 240-pin DIMM


New RAM: : Crucial Ballistix
Capacity ---------- 4GB (2GBx2)
System Type ------ DDR3
CAS Latency ------ 8-8-8-24
Speed ------------ DDR3-1600 (PC3 12800)
Test Voltage ------ 1.65 Volts
Type ------------- 240-pin DIMM

or

New RAM: : Corsair Dominator
Capacity ---------- 4GB (2GBx2)
System Type ------ DDR3
CAS Latency ------ 9-9-9-24
Speed ------------ DDR3-1600 (PC3 12800)
Test Voltage ------ 1.65 Volts
Type ------------- 240-pin DIMM


Thanks =)

 

[Emerald]

the worst thing is the difference in Voltage, it needs to be the same.

also to avoid any timing issues the latency should be the same. lower latency can run at higher settings; therefore, the higher latency memory needs to be the primary memory.

 

[jaquith]

^+100 NEVER MIX VOLTAGES!!!!...!! SO NEITHER KIT. {At 'SPD' DDR3 1333 all of them are 1.50v}

IMO either another set of 'Current RAM: : G.Skill Ripjaws' or similar ' G.Skill Ripjaws' 2x4GB with the SAME Frequency, CAS Timimgs, and Voltage -- SAME SERIES of ' G.Skill Ripjaws'.

Q - Please provide either the Set Part Number or Link to your 'G.Skill Ripjaws'?
Q - What MOBO?
Q - What CPU?

All of those sets are '2N' - I haven't seen any DDR3 1600 that isn't '2N'.

 

[sparda1]

Ok, I didn't know that about the voltage, thanks =)
I found this kit later on G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB, which appears to have all of the same specs as my current G.Skill RAM.

System Specs (Nothing Over-clocked)
CPU: AMD Athlon II X3 440
MB: MSI 785GM-E51
GPU: Radeon HD 5750 1GB
PSU: OCZ Fatal1ty 550W Fatal1ty

Current Ram
New Ram

edit for links: actually, the G.Skill website says that this kit doesn't officially support any AMD mohterboards, while my current kit supports some AMD and Intel Motherboards.

 

[jaquith]

As replacements - $5 less and better RAM F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445

As additions - | 4GB | 2GB | 4GB | 2GB | (12GB) F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

IMO the 'addition' makes more sense

 

[jaquith]

@malmental - where the hell have you been? - I'm missing all my buddies

 

[sparda1]

Best answer selected by sparda1.