Mixing RAM

Gulquan

Gulquan

Gulquan

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Joined
15 Jul 2011
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5
Hi, I've been a lurker here for some time getting information from the ever helpful people who use this forum but actually need to ask a question now:

I have an AMD Phenom II X4 810 running on a Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P at 2.6GHz and have 4Gb (2x2GB) of Corsair XMS3 1333MHz RAM (Part No: CM3X2G1333C9).

A friend has got a full new desktop and has given me 4Gb (2X2Gb) of older Corsair XMS3-1600MHz RAM (Part No: CM3X2G1600C9DHX) as he no longer needs/wants them.

I am planning to upgrade to Windows 7 64 bit shortly and I want to know if I can use both types of this RAM in the same PC to give me 8Gb total or would there be a conflict?

Additional: I am contemplating OC'ing the mobo to about 3-3.4Ghz (but not doing it for certain) so would this raise any further problems if I could mix the RAM.

Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated.

Regards.
 
You shouldn't have any problems - as the XMS3 12800 are essentially overclocked XMS3 10666

When you install them you'll have to run the 12800s at the 10666 settings - which it will probably do by default.

But it's better that you enter the settings manually:
  • Frequency 1333MHz
  • 9-9-9-24 Timings
  • unsure checkingVoltage (this is the ratet/tested voltage for the 10666 set (CM3X2G1333C9) - but the 12800 should run at this)
  • 2T Command Rate (buy may run at 1T)

EDIT: Oh, and welcome to the forums.
 
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Thanks Plec, that was just the kind of information I was looking for. Good to know that free RAM won't go to waste.

Many thanks on the info and the welcome.

Regards

EDIT: Just seen your edits.
 
OK, sorry for the confusion there are lots of XMS3 sets and i was looking at the wrong set/stats in my original reply.

Right the 1600MHz memory normally runs at 1.8V with 9-9-9-24 timings.

Now the voltage is pretty high in comparison to the 10666 XMS3 (1.5V @ 1333MHz) but you will be running the 12800 (1600MHz) set at a lower frequency and so the voltage hopefully wont be a problem.

I would try these settings first:

  • Frequency 1333MHz
  • 9-9-9-27 Timings (9-9-9-24 may be possible - but isn't important)
  • 1.5V Voltage (this is the rated/tested voltage for the 10666 set (CM3X2G1333C9) - but the 12800 hopefully will tolerate this running at the lower frequency.)
  • 2T Command Rate (buy may run at 1T)
 
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