Using different RAM sizes on same Rig?

Crosly

Crosly

Crosly

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178
Looking to upgrade RAM from 2x2GB DDR3 to 2x4GB DDR3 but was thinking since my MB can hold 4 sticks of RAM, could I keep using the 2x2GB with the 2x4GB without losing performance?
 
That's fine depending on the memory controller being used. They must be build equally in banks to enable dual/triple channel memory. In the example you give is perfectly fine. Consider also it's not just capacity, but frequency and latencies.
 
Admiral Huddy said:
That's fine depending on the memory controller being used. They must be build equally in banks to enable dual/triple channel memory. In the example you give is perfectly fine. Consider also it's not just capacity, but frequency and latencies.
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I do have an i7 860. Forgot to mention 1600mhz and latency is 9 clocks
 
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Should be no problem, I run 2*2 and 2*4 in my socket 1156 setup (which I believe the i7-860 runs on too). Also worth nothing that in addition to being different capacity, my sticks are also:

-Different brand (G-Skill and Corsair)
-Different latency rated (7-7-7-24 and 9-9-9-24)
-Different voltage rated (1.65v and 1.5v)

I wouldn't recommend the above configuration but in my case at least it does work with some BIOS adjustments.
 
HangTime said:
Should be no problem, I run 2*2 and 2*4 in my socket 1156 setup (which I believe the i7-860 runs on too). Also worth nothing that in addition to being different capacity, my sticks are also:

-Different brand (G-Skill and Corsair)
-Different latency rated (7-7-7-24 and 9-9-9-24)
-Different voltage rated (1.65v and 1.5v)

I wouldn't recommend the above configuration but in my case at least it does work with some BIOS adjustments.
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My current RAM is 9-9-9-24 which I'm not too bothered about if I get the same in the new ram.
Yeah socket 1156 is what I use too.
 
Hm, didn't consider doing this myself because I don't need 12Gb of ram...can't see why it wouldn't work though with the right volts and timings. I've ran all sorts of capacity together in the past on Pentium 1/2 systems I had.
 
Do you recommend getting RAM with same Latency and voltage to avoid complications?
I'm not a big whiz since this was my first rig.
 
Crosly said:
Do you recommend getting RAM with same Latency and voltage to avoid complications?
I'm not a big whiz since this was my first rig.
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Yes, but it is not entirely necessary as the faster RAM will simply have to run at the speed of the slower RAM. However, you should find that all new kits will operate at 1333MHz/1.5V any way.
 
JonSmith said:
Yes, but it is not entirely necessary as the faster RAM will simply have to run at the speed of the slower RAM. However, you should find that all new kits will operate at 1333MHz/1.5V any way.
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I see so 1333Mhz/1.5V is like a default? Because mt RAM is 1600mhz but runs on 1333mhz.
 
Yep, most 1600MHz ram needs to be overclocked in bios from 1333MHz, by just selecting the XMP profiles if your ram has them (Extreme Memory Profile), they will automatically change the ram to the 1600MHz profile for you.
 
BrianB said:
Yep, most 1600MHz ram needs to be overclocked in bios from 1333MHz, by just selecting the XMP profiles if your ram has them (Extreme Memory Profile), they will automatically change the ram to the 1600MHz profile for you.
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Interesting. So how do I find the XMP profile? Going to try and get my current RAM to 1600mhz
 
Will work no problems, try and buy the same timings on the ram and Mhz if possible to narrow down any issues that could arise.

I have 3x2Gig Corsair Vengance + 1x4Gig Corsair Vengance bringin me to 10Gig and no issues, same timings same models same series of stick.
 
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