Same memory brand/type - Different size?

rounddodger · 4 Nov 2014 at 19:50

Hi, recently built a new machine with this memory :-

Kingston HyperX Beast 16GB (2x8GB) PC3-19200C11 2400MHz Dual Channel Kit (HX324C11T3K2/16)

I have it running in dual channel with XMP profile enabled.

I was wondering, can I mix it with this memory...

Kingston HyperX Beast 8GB (2x4GB) PC3-19200C11 2400MHz Dual Channel Kit (HX324C11T3K2/8)

... to make 24GB total, without compromising stability and speed?

Thanks!

Stas823 · 4 Nov 2014 at 21:03

having 4 dimms reduces the overclock potential a little bit, but otherwise should be fine.

Admetos · 4 Nov 2014 at 23:10

I personally prefer all memory dimms exactly the same, however as Stas823 says it should be fine.

Have you considered going 32GB anyway, given it's such a modern processor 32GB would future proof the machine more.

Stas823 · 5 Nov 2014 at 03:16

To be fair you shouldn't need more than 16gb anyway

Akagi · 5 Nov 2014 at 04:35

No problem at all. Though as has been mentioned, 16GB should be more than enough unless you do some very memory intensive things. Like using multiple resource hungry programs from something like an Adobe/Autodesk suite or running VM's.

I used to have 24GB and for general use, some Photoshop work and gaming, there was no noticable difference between 24GB and 8GB in terms of performance. I now have 16GB mainly for the aesthetic of having 4 sticks of RAM

Admetos · 5 Nov 2014 at 14:23

Typical users only need 8GB and a SSD.

As always it depends what you do, I've had 32GB + 160GB page file in use the past month.