I have 8GB memory. I want 16GB. Do the new DIMMs have to be identical to the old?

[neosapien]

I have 2x4GB (8GB) DDR-1333 memory. I want to add in another 2x4GB to get to 16GB, because I'm starting to brush up against 8GB, and memory is cheap right now.

Can I go with this $30 DDR3-1600 8GB kit, or do I have to buy the exact same 8GB DDR-1333 kit again, making all 4 modules identical, for dual channel mode to continue working?

 

[mlody]

In most cases you should be able to mix them; however, some system boards might be more sensitive to that then others, so it is the best to consult your owners manual for the system board. Updating firmware is also a good idea to ensure that the board is compatible as much as possible with the latest DIMMS.

Also, keep in mind that the system will assume the speed of the slower DIMMS, so your 1600 modules will keep operating as 1333 unless you overclock your slower modules.

 

[tweakboy]

Yes you can mix RAM just make sure their both on proper timings,, and Mhz... gl

 

[kitatech]

The Crucial website has a program to identify compatible DIMMS for your specific MB...

 

[dave_the_nerd]

They don't HAVE to be identical, although if what you have was a good deal once, chances are it can be again.

If you do anything that is memory-bandwidth intensive (unlikely, but you'd know it if you did) then it's worth noting that motherboards will typically underclock RAM for stability with running 4 DIMMs instead of just 2. So that might make tradings your 2x4 for 2x8 worthwhile.

 

[Charlie98]

So that might make tradings your 2x4 for 2x8 worthwhile.

That's where I would go (and, in fact, I wish I would have when I bought another set of 2x4GB last week. That's what I get for an impulse buy.)

Why fiddle fart around trying to match modules when you can just upgrade to new, faster modules for ~$60 and not worry about compatibility.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

That's where I would go (and, in fact, I wish I would have when I bought another set of 2x4GB last week. That's what I get for an impulse buy.)

Why fiddle fart around trying to match modules when you can just upgrade to new, faster modules for ~$60 and not worry about compatibility.

Well, the advantages to 4x4GB are less money out of pocket at this very instant, don't have to dispose/resell the old RAM, and they all work together find like 99.9% of the time, so it's not much of a risk.

 

[Charlie98]

Well, the advantages to 4x4GB are less money out of pocket at this very instant, don't have to dispose/resell the old RAM, and they all work together find like 99.9% of the time, so it's not much of a risk.

Unless you don't have 4x RAM slots...

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Unless you don't have 4x RAM slots...

I have a computer in my storage unit with 16 RAM slots. It makes me sad.

 

[bbhaag]

Nope shouldn't be an issue but like mlody mentioned check your manual just to be sure.

I actually ran into this the other day when I was cleaning my computer desk. I found 2x2gb Crucial sticks that I had forgotten about. I popped them into my empty slots and they get along fine with my 2x4gb Kingston sticks.
So now I have 12gb of ram. Pretty cool.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

Your old dims are too slow anyway. Sell your old RAM. Buy 2 X 8GB DDR3 2400 CAS11 RAM for under approx 100 bucks or so.

Also, you might be able to find 1866/2133 2 X 8GB for say $60-80 or so. And 2400 for 801-100 or so. So doesn't make sense to keep your old RAM.