Windows 7 - Adding more RAM

So heres the thing, I have this set up

Memory Type: DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-12800, DDR3 (non-ECC)
Maximum Memory: 16GB
Currently Installed Memory: 8GB
Total Memory Slots: 4
Available Memory Slots: 0

And I wanna upgrade, now im savy but not 100% know it all type. And I have built maybe 5 computers in my time and have always heard and followed the same rule.
Always, match RAM (modules)
So I wanna see what this great community has to say.
Do I really have to buy four new 4GB sticks or can I just throw two 2GB sticks away and replace with 4GB sticks.

My specs are in my tag but a little background on why I care. First of Im board and love to tinker, second im new into running virtual machines and sometimes have 2 open. I devote about 2 gigs to the virtual OS (more than enough) But I wanna devote 4 (cause I can). LOL and im not being prude im just being silly

So to reiterate:
Do I really have to buy four new 4GB sticks or can I just throw two 2GB sticks away and replace with 4GB sticks.

Yes you can mix 4g and 2g modules if the specs match. Download CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting and run it. Then look at SPD tab for the specs of your memory and then find 4g that match. This information may be written on a sticker on your existing ram.

Match the speed, CL (cas latency) and voltage and it should work. Using the same brand will help also. Install them with 4g first and then 2g in each channel so each channel is 6g.

Memory is so cheap now so you may find a deal and can go with 4 sticks of 4g at a good price.


Jim

Thanks for the info. So I re-downloaded CPID (cause I had deleted it) it ran but gave me different numbers than Crucial.com. Crucial says DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-12800, DDR3 (non-ECC) CPUID says PC3 10700
which is correct?

The SPD is what is programmed on the ram module and that is what CPUID is reading so it should be correct. Did you look at each slot in the SPD tab? Where did you get the Crucial information?

Jim

each slot was the same, and I downloaded the crucial scan

The Crucial scan just shows how much ram is in each slot but can't identify what it is. It then lists all the compatible ram for your system. Look for something with the same specs as what CPUID shows or update all the ram to something new. Crucial may list something faster then what you have now.

Jim

Thanks for all your help