Mixing RAM With Different Timings

trufito · 27 Dec 2015 at 14:03

Hi all,

I recently decided to add another 2x4GB of RAM to the 2x4GB I already have. I have read that the safest option is to get the exact same brand/model that you already have so that the speed/voltage/timings etc. match so I ordered it from overclockers (which is where I got my original kit from) and it arrived today.
However it seems to be a newer model of the same line and the timings are different...

My motherboard is Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 (dual channel)

The RAM I currently have is:
2x4GB TeamGroup Vulcan Red DDR3 2133Mhz CL 11-11-11-31 1.65V

The new RAM is
2X4GB TeamGroup Vulcan Red DDR3 2133Mhz CL 10-12-12-31 1.65V

My question is therefore, will these two kits be compatible together?
When people say you need the same speed, timings etc, do they mean within a RAM kit (i.e. 2X4GB, both 4GB sticks should be the same), or both kits have to match? (i.e. all 4 sticks in 4x4GB dual channel)

Also out of interest, which of these kits is better/faster? I'm guessing the one with the lower CL latency, however that has higher number for the second two... so I'm not sure which is more important.

This is the product page where I got the RAM: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/team...nnel-kit-tlred38g2133hc11adc01-my-035-tg.html
As you can see the timings are mis-advertised as they match my old RAM (also worth mentioning the two kits look different, as you can see in the to different pictures on the product page).

Thanks!

OracIe · 27 Dec 2015 at 18:50

Your new kit is ever so slightly better as its lower latency (CAS timings) - however mixing those should be fine.

kayomani · 27 Dec 2015 at 19:48

If you run into any issues ensure you are using the lower timings (higher numbers) of the two.

trufito · 27 Dec 2015 at 19:48

Thanks for your responses.

Would I still be able to overclock/increase the RAM speed from the default 1333Mhz if I have those two kits mixed?

kayomani · 27 Dec 2015 at 19:52

Yeah but you may need to set the speed manually if you are using XMP.

trufito · 27 Dec 2015 at 20:32

What do you mean?
I have AMD processor & GPU and so was planning to use AMD Catalyst to do it (although that seems to have disappeared off my system since I updated drivers, so I guess I will use whatever replaces that!)

OracIe · 27 Dec 2015 at 22:04

XMP is like a template in the BIOS that you use and it sets the timings, voltage and bus speed of the memory, its a quick and dirty way of getting it configured but you dont have to use it.

I would advise you to make any changes in the BIOS directly and not through OS application software, a lot of these types of software aren't very robust.

P4Clock · 27 Dec 2015 at 23:19

put the slowest sticks in slot 1, this will force all stick to run at the same speed.
if you put the faster ram in slot one your system may be unstable as it will overclock the slower ram