Mixing RAM

fozzybear · 26 Jun 2012 at 07:46

I've just upgraded from 4GB of Corsair Value PC3-10666C9 1333 RAM to 8GB of Crucial Ballistix Sport 8Gb DDR3 1333MHz.

I'm just wondering if I could use both the 4GB and 8GB (2 x 2GB and 2 x 4GB) at the same time to give me 12GB. They seem to be both 1.5v.

Would I have any issues? I wouldn't want to try if there's a chance of damaging my system.

Cheers.

jeff6475 · 26 Jun 2012 at 08:05

you can try it wont do no harm to the pc but its very unlikely compatable and only way to find out is test it.Timings will need to be the same

Vimes · 26 Jun 2012 at 08:41

I have a total of 12GB in my system made up from...

2x4GB Corsair LP 1.35v DDR 3 12800 memory
2x2GB OCZ 1.35v DDR 3 12800 memory

I started off with the 8GB and then remembered that I had bought the OCZ from here when OC were selling them cheap. I fitted them with my Corsair in the Z77 D3H board and they run fine with no issues. I notice no difference but I suppose they are better off being in and used rather than just sat in their packets.

I just manually set the timings to 9-9-9-24.

Just to add my reassurances, if needed...

You will not damage your system in any way just follow my example coupled with the good advice below and you will be fine

MagicBoy · 26 Jun 2012 at 08:48

jeff6475 said:
you can try it wont do no harm to the pc but its very unlikely compatable and only way to find out is test it.Timings will need to be the same

Not correct. Assuming the timings are automatically set the memory controller will run the RAM at the slowest standard timings of the sticks fitted. As long as the RAM with the bank is matched, which it is all should be fine. It's a very rare case it would cause memory errors, blue screens etc.

jeff6475 · 26 Jun 2012 at 10:03

MagicBoy said:
Not correct. Assuming the timings are automatically set the memory controller will run the RAM at the slowest standard timings of the sticks fitted. As long as the RAM with the bank is matched, which it is all should be fine. It's a very rare case it would cause memory errors, blue screens etc.

ok my mistake

fozzybear · 26 Jun 2012 at 19:09

Vimes said:
... I suppose they are better off being in and used rather than just sat in their packets.

That's the way I look at it.

I'll give them a try when I can.

Thanks all.

Craterloads · 26 Jun 2012 at 19:14

Should be fine

MagicUK · 26 Jun 2012 at 21:42

I had 6gb tri channel corsair and another 6gb tri channel Kingston and I was getting video freezing on max Payne 3x took the Kingston stuff out and now no freezing so diff memory has caused me issues. Just saying.

Surveyor · 26 Jun 2012 at 22:49

It'll likely be fine.

As MagikUK pointed out it doesn't always work but it could be more tricky with 6 sticks rather than 4.

fozzybear · 27 Jun 2012 at 08:43

Would it make any difference which slots I put them in?

I've got an AMD build. Would that cause any issues with 12GB?

Surveyor · 27 Jun 2012 at 08:53

Match up the pairs in dual channel mode.

So the 4GB sticks in channels A1 and B1 (or whatever they're called) and the 2GB sticks in channels A2 and B2.

I can't see it being an AMD build making any difference.

Just try it and see.

fozzybear · 27 Jun 2012 at 20:08

I tried it and it seemed stable enough. I just didn't notice any performance boost really. I think 8GB is enough for me.