Adding another 2GB Of Different Brand to Existing 3x2.

[Akusho]

Hello!
A have a 6GB kit (Kingston KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX). I would like to add another 2GB, and since it's almost impossible to find a used single stick, my question is can I add a different brand of memory as long as the timings (CL9) and clock (1600MHz) stay the same, so it will work in dual channel? (2+2/2+2)

Also, I found a Corsair Vengeance stick (CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9) which seems to be what I'm looking for, but it lists it as 1.5V, while mine works on 1.65V. Will Vengeance work on higher voltage?

 

[clutchc]

If you want to be assured of no memory errors, always install memory in matched pairs for a dual channel memory system. Having said that, try to find a stick of memory with the exact same specs as the three you have in their now. Any variation may result in memory errors down the road. Dual channel systems are very picky when it comes to everything matching; sometimes down to the lot number. But if you match the missing stick as close as possible to the other 3, you should be fine.

If you use the 1.5V RAM, it will run at the same voltage as the rest; 1.65V. That might be too high for dependable use.

 

[Akusho]

If you want to be assured of no memory errors, always install memory in matched pairs for a dual channel memory system. Having said that, try to find a stick of memory with the exact same specs as the three you have in their now. Any variation may result in memory errors down the road. Dual channel systems are very picky when it comes to everything matching; sometimes down to the lot number. But if you match the missing stick as close as possible to the other 3, you should be fine.

If you use the 1.5V RAM, it will run at the same voltage as the rest; 1.65V. That might be too high for dependable use.

Nobody is selling singles from my current kit unfortunately, and there is no point in buying it in pair. The closest I can come to my memory is KHX1600C9AD3K2/4G, which is still not the same but much cheaper and the datasheet seems identical to mine. So if I buy a pair of these and get rid of one stick of my memory they should work in dual channel together?

 

[clutchc]

They seem to match spec-wise, unless I'm missing something?

 

[Akusho]

They seem to match spec-wise, unless I'm missing something?

I have no idea. The model number is not the same, and mine says "Supports Intel XMP". That's the only difference on Kingston's datasheets. Is it worth it to risk and buy a single stick? The single one is again of different model number:KHX1600C9AD3B1/2G
Which is, again, identical spec-wise. But considering, as you've said, that dual channel is so sensitive to these things, maybe it's worth it to pay a bit more for the 4GB kit?

 

[clutchc]

They seem to match spec-wise, unless I'm missing something?

I have no idea. The model number is not the same, and mine says "Supports Intel XMP". That's the only difference on Kingston's datasheets. Is it worth it to risk and buy a single stick? The single one is again of different model number:KHX1600C9AD3B1/2G
Which is, again, identical spec-wise. But considering, as you've said, that dual channel is so sensitive to these things, maybe it's worth it to pay a bit more for the 4GB kit?

One stick will probably work. Can't guarantee its stability under stress, tho. Adding a 2 stick kit of the above for the other pair of channels will also work, probably with a much better chance of trouble-free success. But replacing the current RAM with a new 8GB kit or 2 x 2GB kits would be the best. Your old set of three sticks will sell easily on ebay. Those are actually made for a triple channel memory system like on the LGA 2011 platform.

 

[Akusho]

They seem to match spec-wise, unless I'm missing something?

I have no idea. The model number is not the same, and mine says "Supports Intel XMP". That's the only difference on Kingston's datasheets. Is it worth it to risk and buy a single stick? The single one is again of different model number:KHX1600C9AD3B1/2G
Which is, again, identical spec-wise. But considering, as you've said, that dual channel is so sensitive to these things, maybe it's worth it to pay a bit more for the 4GB kit?

One stick will probably work. Can't guarantee its stability under stress, tho. Adding a 2 stick kit of the above for the other pair of channels will also work, probably with a much better chance of trouble-free success. But replacing the current RAM with a new 8GB kit or 2 x 2GB kits would be the best. Your old set of three sticks will sell easily on ebay. Those are actually made for a triple channel memory system like on the LGA 2011 platform.

Ebay sometimes is hit or miss for inexperienced sellers. I can shell 80$ for a new 2x4 kit, but what if I won't be able to sell mine? There's a chance of it getting damaged in shipping or any other problem and I'll get screwed. The 2x2 stick kit is only 30$ with shipping
Dunno what's best.

 

[clutchc]

Then go with the 2x2 GB kit. If you find there are memory errors (I don't think there will be), it is just a matter of buying another 2x2 GB kit.

 

[Tradesman1]

You can try mixing, but there's no guarantees when mixing packages of DRAM - even of the same exact model - more on this in my article (fiction, item 2, here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

Also a correction to the above, the only true Triple channel rigs were the X58 socket 1366, the 2011 socket is native quad channel though it can run triple, dual or single also

 

[clutchc]

Also a correction to the above, the only true Triple channel rigs were the X58 socket 1366, the 2011 socket is native quad channel though it can run triple, dual or single also

Good catch. I blew that one. I knew the X58 and 1366 were triple channel, but forgot the 2011 was quad channel. Thanks.

 

[Tradesman1]

No worries, I know you know (and I do this often myself, you get on a roll with threads and thinking of a couple at once ) just clarifying for Akusho