I can't mix 2 2x4GB kits?

[MrCrispy]

I got 2 sets of the G.Skill Ripjaws X Series PC1600 2x4GB memory in the Newegg BF sale, for a total of 16GB. Now I'm reading that I might have problems running them together, and I should have gotten the 16GB set which would come with matched sticks.

Is this right? Then how do people upgrade their Ram, if you can't buy more sticks and have them work with your existing ones.

 

[Ancalagon44]

I did that with DDR2-800 back in the day - bought 2 x 1GB Corsair sticks, some months later I bought another 2. Worked fine.

 

[deimos3428]

There's no magical voodoo in sets of "matched sticks". Four modules bought separately or in sets of two are precisely the same as the four modules packaged and sold as a set, assuming all the modules purchased are identical.

 

[IronIcon]

I have a system running with 2x2gb and 2x512mb of Corsair XMS2. Has worked fine for about 3 years now.

 

[Denithor]

I have used mix'n'match memory many times over the years in various builds. Usually works fine, sometimes (rarely) you encounter a problem where sticks don't play nice together or specific sticks don't like a particular motherboard/cpu.

I have also seen a case where 4x2GB matched sticks didn't work on a system. So basically just try them and see. Most likely you'll be fine.

 

[Rvenger]

I have 12gb in my Sandybridge. I am running 2x4gb and 2x2gb in dual channel. The instruction book said it wasn't possible but I tried it anyways. Works flawlessly and the bios reports dual channel mode.

I also ran 2 sticks of Geil and 2 sticks of Adata in my last setup dual channel no problem. If the timings match up and memtest reports no errors while in dual channel mode, then you are good to go.

 

[TemjinGold]

2 kits working fine here.

 

[Puppies04]

There's no magical voodoo in sets of "matched sticks". Four modules bought separately or in sets of two are precisely the same as the four modules packaged and sold as a set, assuming all the modules purchased are identical.

I have to disagree, if you buy a matched set they are guaranteed to work and you know you aren't going to run into problems. That said I have never personally run into any problems mixing same brand/model sets together but it can happen.

 

[sangyup81]

I've used 2 2x4GB kits before. The only difference is that the manufacturer hasn't tested all 4 sticks to work together for you

 

[MrCrispy]

If I'd known I'd have spent the $4 more to get the 16GB kit. I hope they work, a couple of reviews on Newegg specifically mentioned this problem with this kit.

 

[Ancalagon44]

I have to disagree, if you buy a matched set they are guaranteed to work and you know you aren't going to run into problems. That said I have never personally run into any problems mixing same brand/model sets together but it can happen.

But why? What would make them not work if they were the same brand and model but not bought in the same "pack"? What do you think they do to those in a pack? Stamp them with special serial numbers?

You say yourself, you've never had any problems - have you heard of anyone who has?

Heck back in the DDR1 days, I mixed DDR333 made by Kingston with DDR400 made by Transcend. Worked fine.

 

[taltamir]

There's no magical voodoo in sets of "matched sticks". Four modules bought separately or in sets of two are precisely the same as the four modules packaged and sold as a set, assuming all the modules purchased are identical.

An assumption that is often wrong. Identically branded modules with identical model numbers routinely are made from different hardware.

 

[deimos3428]

An assumption that is often wrong. Identically branded modules with identical model numbers routinely are made from different hardware.

Yeah, but identically branded modules/model numbers made from different hardware that somehow isn't 100% compatible? Not very bloody often, if ever.

Usually matching the timings and frequency is sufficient, let alone DIMM model numbers. It's a non-issue.

 

[exar333]

An assumption that is often wrong. Identically branded modules with identical model numbers routinely are made from different hardware.

This.

The same model # doesn't mean the same hardware. It probably will work, but there are no guarantee.

 

[Gillbot]

I mix them all the time and yet to have an issue.

 

[Kenmitch]

Try them and see. Most likely they will work. As you ordered 2 kits at once the odds are more in your favor of working. DDR3 is flying off the shelf at current pricing I'd think that your sticks will more than likely be from the same batch.

An assumption that is often wrong. Identically branded modules with identical model numbers routinely are made from different hardware. __________________

This would come to play more if a person ordered a ram kit and then weeks, months, a year later wanted to upgrade and ordered the same kit again. I guess this could come to play even if ordered the next day from another vendor.

 

[BTA]

Mixing should be fine if both are able to run at whatever speed and timings you run your memory at.