RAM Compatibility

Almostmini · 10 Aug 2011 at 15:27

Hey Guys.
I am about to put together my new PC and already have 4Gb of RAM ready to go in but am considering going for 8Gb.

Should i attempt to buy exactly the same type of RAM, does it matter if they differ slightly?

The RAM i am putting in is (listed straigh from my order sheet as no longer available at OCUK)

OCZ Gold 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-16000C10 2000Mhz Dual Channel Kit (OCZ3G2000LV4GK)

The closest to this RAM i can get is this one.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-183-OC&tool=3

As you can see they only differ slightly but with one reading (PC3-10666C9) what does that mean and will it work?

Basically should i attempt to buy another set of exactly the same RAM or can i go with anything that will fit in my motherboard?

Please Help =]

Sam

Emphacy · 10 Aug 2011 at 15:29

It means your current memory the 2000MHz (16000MB/s) memory will slow down to the speed of the new memory of 1333MHz (10666MB/s) basically reducing the performance of what you have.

As long as the voltages are the same however, you're fine to use it.

Almostmini · 10 Aug 2011 at 15:32

Ok, so i should attempt to buy RAM which runs at 2000MHz? Does it matter if its a different brand name?

How do i know what the voltage is?

Almostmini · 10 Aug 2011 at 15:32

Ah on the sticker on the RAM it looks like it says 1.65V thast the volts?

Emphacy · 10 Aug 2011 at 15:35

Almostmini said:
Ok, so i should attempt to buy RAM which runs at 2000MHz? Does it matter if its a different brand name?

It's best to buy the same brand as they usually run at the same voltage and have the same memory timings. It wouldn't hurt too much to use a different brand of memory though.

Almostmini said:
Ah on the sticker on the RAM it looks like it says 1.65V thast the volts?

Yes that's volts. The memory you linked to, will be fine for use as it runs on the same voltage. It will just slow your old 2000MHz memory down to 1333MHz.

Almostmini · 10 Aug 2011 at 15:38

Is 2000Mhz fast or slow anyway? I am using this new RIG for gaming and want to increase my RAM.

Can't find any RAM that is 2000Mhz! Would it be worth just buying a faster set of 2 x 4GB?

Emphacy · 10 Aug 2011 at 15:43

Almostmini said:
Is 2000Mhz fast or slow anyway? I am using this new RIG for gaming and want to increase my RAM.

Can't find any RAM that is 2000Mhz! Would it be worth just buying a faster set of 2 x 4GB?

2000MHz is currently the fastest RAM speed available, while 1333MHz is currently the lowest DDR3 dual channel RAM speed available.

THIS, would be better than getting 1333MHz OCZ Gold as it only reduces your current RAM speed to 1600MHz. I'm also going to add that 4GB of memory is more than adequate for gaming at it's current time.

Almostmini · 10 Aug 2011 at 15:46

Ok thankyou for your help, i still haven't built the computer and after looking at a lot of similar systems and the only difference being amount of RAM i went into panic mode ;P

Thanks for your help, i'll stickwith the 4GB and go from there =]