Windows 7: Can i Mix RAMs with different Brands?

Ijas619 · 03 Aug 2016

Hi,

I am planning to upgrade my PC RAM. I currently have a 2 GB RAM. Details below
ADATA
A3U1333C2G9-R
DDR31333(9)2GX8U-DIMM
10242456

Can i add a crossair RAM with 1333 Hz?

CaptainWD · 03 Aug 2016

Quote: Originally Posted by Ijas619

~snip~

Hey there Ijas619 :)

What's the specific memory unit that you have in mind.
Typically you shouldn't have any issues using different branded RAM sticks as long as they run on the same voltage, same clock speed (frequency) and fit in the DIMM slots.

You can easily check with the motherboard's manual if the desired memory is compatible with it or not. Though it is not really recommended to have different memory units in the DIMM slots you should be able to run your computer.

Captain_WD.

ignatzatsonic · 03 Aug 2016

If the specifications are a very close match, it might work.

And it might not. You'd have to try it to know for a fact.

That's why it's recommended that you buy RAM in pairs of the same exact brand and part number.

Layback Bear · 03 Aug 2016

Does upgrading my RAM needs more power ?

LMiller7 · 03 Aug 2016

In theory any combination of compatible RAM modules should work. But things don't always work that way in the real world. Modules from different manufacturers can cause problems. No way of knowing without trying it.

Arfer Daley · 03 Aug 2016

in the old days you could get away with it or i did anyway but these days the motherboards have that many settings for ram you could run into problems good luck from past experience now I always buy in pairs from the same makers
just to be safe with these new boards

Digerati · 05 Aug 2016

Quote: Originally Posted by Arfer Daley

in the old days you could get away with it

Wow. The exact opposite is my experience. In the old days, you had to go with the exact same manufacturer, size, model number, and even the same lot number or production run.

In the old days, packages of "dual channel" RAM contained RAM sticks that were actually individually tested at the factory, matched and paired for compatibility, then packaged together - and at a higher price too because of that special testing.

As I noted in that thread Layback Bear linked to,

Quote: Originally Posted by Itaregid

Modern motherboards and CPU memory managers are much more capable of supporting mixed RAM than those of years ago. And modern RAM manufacturing techniques ensures RAM (from just about any maker) much more closely adheres to published specifications. So "in theory", you can mix and match brands to ensure compatibility as long as you buy RAM with compatible specifications. And in practice (again, with modern hardware), when you buy RAM with the same specifications as existing RAM, it does work's - most of the time.

But for your best odds to ensure total, trouble-free compatibility, I agree with LayBack Bear and recommend your new RAM either matches your old exactly, or you replace your old with all new.

I note today, the RAM in packages marketed as dual channel (or triple channel) are not individually tested and matched. They don't have to be because manufacturing techniques have improved so much in recent years that every stick of the same model coming off the production line (regardless of lot) match published specs within such tight tolerances, they don't need expensive, time consuming individual testing and matching.

They are packaged and sold as dual or triple as a convenience to consumers, and because it saves in logistics costs (packaging, shipping, inventorying, etc.). That's the only reason.

Now until Man can create perfection 100% of the time, there will always be exceptions. So to ensure compatibility, it is still best to buy the same brand and model number, when you can.