Memory Upgrade. Can I mix 'n' match?

Skilid · 29 Jun 2016 at 11:13

Hi all,

Spec:

Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2 Intel P55 (Socket 1156) DDR3 Motherboard
Intel Core i5 750 2.66Ghz (Lynnfield) (Socket LGA1156) (Overclocked to 3.4GHz)
OCZ Obsidian 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 Dual Channel (OCZ3OB1600LV4GK)

I want to upgrade to 8GB of RAM (or 16 if the price isn't so different).

What is my best option? Can I leave the old stuff in there and add to it, or am I better off replacing it?? Shall I try and get some of my same memory off the bay and add to what I have?

What would you recommend?

Thanks.

Borealis · 29 Jun 2016 at 11:26

Mixing RAM can work, but it can also throw up issues if the timings/latency aren't the same and it may make your overclock unstable. Trying to find an identical kit produced by a now-defunct manufacturer could be tricky (OCZ's SSD business was bought by Toshiba, the rest of the company went bankrupt).

A brand new 8GB kit is about £30 and a 16GB kit is only £65.

Skilid · 29 Jun 2016 at 11:40

Borealis said:
Mixing RAM can work, but it can also throw up issues if the timings/latency aren't the same and it may make your overclock unstable. Trying to find an identical kit produced by a now-defunct manufacturer could be tricky (OCZ's SSD business was bought by Toshiba, the rest of the company went bankrupt).

A brand new 8GB kit is about £30 and a 16GB kit is only £65.

I have found some used memory of the same type on an auction site. I think I might go for that. If I don't win it I will probably just buy new. Thanks

passifid · 30 Jun 2016 at 00:50

on a slightly related note i'm getting a 16 gb (8x8) kit and can i add it to my 8gb (4x4) kit for 24gb or just stick with 16? (both 1600 corsair lp cl9)

many thanks

Holst1981 · 30 Jun 2016 at 00:57

passifid said:
on a slightly related note i'm getting a 16 gb (8x8) kit and can i add it to my 8gb (4x4) kit for 24gb or just stick with 16? (both 1600 corsair lp cl9)

many thanks

This will work but you may need to play with memory timings if your overclocking.

As to whether it's worth it depends on your usage.
I never run out of memory with 16gig so I wouldn't bother adding the extra.

ExoMale · 2 Jul 2016 at 17:17

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Team Group Elite Black 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C11 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (TPKD38G1600HC11DC01)= £29.99
1 x Team Group Elite Black 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C11 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (TPKD316G1600HC11DC01= £59.99
2 x Kingston HyperX Fury Black 4GB (1x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C10 1600MHz Single Channel Kit (HX316C10FB/4)= £16.99 = £33.98*

Total: £133.86
(includes shipping: £9.90)

i have mix & match many times without any real problems(either run at slow speeds or faulty or no problems whats so ever), when you buy a new/used computer then go to a 2nd hand shop you cant guarantee what you will get in timing senses, so long it fits the socket and is basically matching mhz and not server memory its all good, but new or used it is always best to try buy kits.