This may be a stupid question, but I don't really know a huge deal about ram. I have a 4GB stick in my PC at the minute, it's 1.35v and 1600mhz. If I bought an 8GB stick that is also 1.35v and 1600mhz, would that make 12GB that the PC can use? Also, would this put an increased amount of stress on my PSU? (I mean a significant amount) As I've added a 750 Ti already, and the PSU is only 300W and came with the PC.
Adding 8GB of ram to existing 4GB ram = 12GB?
- Thread starter Conster
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capt_taco
Splendid
- Aug 5, 2009
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Mixing and matching is usually not recommended ... even if the clock speed and voltage are the same, it's best if the timings are also the same, and even then, it's not guaranteed that two different sticks will work together. Most of the time they will, but you don't want to be one of the 20% or so where it doesn't.
Do you have a specific reason for more than 8GB? If it's just gaming and general use like office work, you will notice literally no difference going from 8GB to 12GB. If you work with graphic design, video editing, 3D rendering, etc., that's when more RAM matters; otherwise it's just overkill. If that's not you, just get 8GB (a 2x4GB set to take advantage of dual channel is best) and sell the old stick or keep it around as a backup.
Do you have a specific reason for more than 8GB? If it's just gaming and general use like office work, you will notice literally no difference going from 8GB to 12GB. If you work with graphic design, video editing, 3D rendering, etc., that's when more RAM matters; otherwise it's just overkill. If that's not you, just get 8GB (a 2x4GB set to take advantage of dual channel is best) and sell the old stick or keep it around as a backup.
Tradesman1
Legenda in Aeternum
- Jun 5, 2013
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2x4GB is better as mentioned, or if you have the 8GB stick can try adding the 4 GB if it works, all is good, if it won't start or you get BSODs, etc, give me a shout and we can try minor voltage/timing adjustments
Thanks for your reply. I'll just be using for gaming mostly. The 4GB I have at the minute isn't enough. I get low memory errors constantly while gaming. I just thought it would be better to get an 8GB stick, rather than 2x4GB sticks. I didn't actually take into account the fact that you need two of the same sticks for dual channel. I do believe I only have 2 ram slots. So you definitely think 2x4GB is the way to go rather than just a single 8GB to add to my 4GB?
Stefan Petrovic
Reputable
- Sep 10, 2014
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I had the same "problem" i had 2x2GB @ 1600Mhz and it wasnt enought so i bought 2x4 @ 1866MHz to replace it, but then I wondered if those 2 would work together...as others pointed out, it wont start if it doesnt work, so its simple, put everything in and if it starts it will work....strangely, it works...i tested with a few programs and got fairly even results...sometimes my 2x4 was faster but in some cases my 2x2+2x4 config was. Then i thought it maybe uses only 8 gigs so i started assassins creed unity, nba 2k15, alien isolation, cubase and vegas and it got around 11.6 gigs so it works...im not recomanding this setup but i just wanna say it works (IN MY CASE!!)
Tradesman1
Legenda in Aeternum
- Jun 5, 2013
- 67,883
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Yes it can, but it's basically a crapshoot, maybe yes, maybe no. Glad it worked for you!
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