Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

RAM Question

Apr 12, 2015 5:54AM PDT

So i'm doing a ram upgrade on my pc and i was wondering 2 things.
(My mobo only has 2 ram slots and a max capacity of 16gb)


Question 1:
I already have a 4gb 1600mhz ddr3 atm and i was thinking about getting a 8gb stick of the same voltage and speed.
The problem is that i don't know if they will be compatible since they're different sizes.

Question 2:
I could get a dual channel 8gb (2x4) and switch the old 4gb with 2 new ones. Would it be better to have the dual channel 8gb or the 12gb single channel (if compatible)

Thanks in advance

Discussion is locked

WenioW has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Clearing up some things
Apr 12, 2015 7:07AM PDT
Well that wasn't very helpful


I am running a 64bit os so it will clearly benefit me.
The 4gb stick is a Kingston Fury White Series
1600 mhz, ddr3, 240pin (obvs)
and i was thinking about adding a
8gb stick Kingston Fury Black Series
1600mhz, ddr3, 240pin

I got all i could but i couldn't find the model n#.
- Collapse -
For most machines.
Apr 12, 2015 7:12AM PDT

You want matched pairs. If you have one 4gb stick is a Kingston Fury White Series then for the second stick you want another 4gb stick is a Kingston Fury White Series.

Sure you can try mixing.
Bob

- Collapse -
thank you
Apr 12, 2015 7:40AM PDT

someone finally answered my question.
If i do however mix the white series with the black series will there be any noticeable perfomance loss?

- Collapse -
I'm going with no.
Apr 12, 2015 8:28AM PDT

Why? because the gain in RAM may offset any gain overall. That is, maybe a matched pair would deliver a boost over the unmatched pair but it will be better than the single stick.
Bob

- Collapse -
You asked for help but didn't provide any detail about
Apr 12, 2015 10:50AM PDT
the SYSTEM in which the RAM would be installed. Was it a laptop ? a desktop ? or perhaps a user built PC ? As the FORUM note says "If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended."

You can always try adding RAM you think might work based on the existing RAM. Usually that's time consuming, unproductive and sometimes expensive with mailing and restocking fees. You really need to know about your system limits to ensure the best chance of an optimal, successful RAM upgrade.

However, it's better to get and share the system information .specifically the system mfg. series and model number, so respondents can provide relevant, helpful comments on your question(s). There are software programs that can help gather your SYSTEM info if that's still a problem.

Good Luck

VAPCMD
- Collapse -
Answer
a matched set works best
Apr 12, 2015 5:57AM PDT

go to crucial.com and do the diagnostics there.

Digger

- Collapse -
Answer
Since you didn't provide ANY data (mfg, series and model #)
Apr 12, 2015 6:06AM PDT

on your system....your system docs, the online system docs or Crucial.com are your best sources of info.

VAPCMD

- Collapse -
Answer
depends on the motherboard
Apr 12, 2015 6:11AM PDT

as previously mentioned let crucial run their scan or do a search for your specific computer model to find out exactly what you need and what your computer supports.

generally if your computer is running 32 big operating system, you do not need any more ram. your os will not support it. If your motherboard supports dual channel, it would be best to purchase ram for dual channel. You don't have to and the computer will still run but it would not be as effective.

- Collapse -
Answer
2 8gig will be better
Apr 12, 2015 5:35PM PDT

get 2 8gig rams, best to go with your ram chips to make sure u get the correct rams