Can you put an 8gb stick of ram in with a 4gb?

[jamster7777]

Hi, I recently found the cause of my BSOD, which was an error in one of my 4gb ram sticks. (I had a 2x4 configuration before, now i just have 1x4 with a free slot)

I am now looking to purchase some new ram as 4gb isn't enough for me. However I don't know a whole lot about ram so I need some advice.

I am going to purchase 8gb of ram, however I am not sure whether or not I should get a 1x8 configuration or a 2x4. I was wondering, if I buy this 1 8gb stick, will I be able to put it in with the 4gb stick I already have, bringing my total up to 12gb? Or will this be unstable/not work at all?

My current stick is DDR3, as is the new ram I am looking at, but I am not sure if that is all that matters.

Here are the links to the ram i am looking at:

2x4:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9-Vengeance-Performance-Desktop/dp/B004CRSM4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373885663&sr=8-1&keywords=8gb+ram

1x8:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10B-Vengeance-Memory-Module/dp/B009M0TCBC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1373885705&sr=8-5&keywords=8gb+ram

Thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this, and if you need any more details just let me know.

 

[Tradesman1]

Best bet is 2x4GB, an 8GB stick by itself will run in single channel which is 10-15% slower than dual channel, and if it were to work with your current 4 GB stick, in a dual config, the 8GB would be in dual 4 from the 4GB sticks and 4 from the *, with the other 4 from the 8 GB stick in single, which is more stress on the MC (memory controller)

 

[jamster7777]

Ok, thanks for clarifying that for me guys. Just a couple more questions - do you think the ram I am looking at is good, and is there a place I can buy it for cheaper in the UK.

 

[Tradesman1]

Sorry, not familiar with UK sites/stores