Hiya, I'm building my first PC and trying to figure out what RAM to get. I think I'd like to get 2X16GB now, however I have 4 RAM slots in my chosen motherboard so in the future if I want to upgrade my RAM, do I have to replace these initial 2X16 so everything matches? Eg. if i want to have 64GB would I just buy another 2X16 or do I need to buy a brand new set of 4X16 or 2X32 so they all match/are in a kit? Thank you!
Adding additional RAM
- Thread starter els1122
- Start date
Soldato
Yes you can have mis-matched RAM in the slots but it will run at the slower speeds if different to eachother
Soldato
Yes, more than likely.
OP, consult your motherboards QVL list on the support section of the website. It'll list all the RAM that has been tested with 2 and 4 DIMMs in use.
What do you do with the PC?
Reason I ask: most users (e.g. gamers) will replace the entire PC before they need an upgrade from 32GB.
How often do you upgrade?
Reason I ask: since you're likely to replace the PC before 32GB is too little, you'll probably just buy DDR5 instead next time.
What CPU and memory are you looking at?
Reason I ask: more recent CPUs have better compatibility and higher memory support, so if you're planning on buying e.g. 12th gen CPU with standard memory speeds (i.e. not DDR4 4000) then you have a much better chance of 4 dimms working. If you're running at very high speeds, or overclocking then it's likely you'll have to downclock the memory. Some brands (most brands, tbh) don't offer any guarantee that sticks you buy in the future will be the same memory chips (even if the model number is identical), so it is always a mixed bag, pun intended.