3x2gb + 1x4gb Ram configuration possible?

[Robwan]

Currently have this in my system - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Memory-1600MHz-Channel-TR3X6G1600C9/dp/B0062BJ5GQ

3x2gb 1600 (9-9-9-28)

I have one ram slot left on the mobo, can I just simply put a 4gb stick in it to total 10gb ram and what specs will i have to match with the existing ram.

Or is this a stupid idea and will cause system to be unstable?

p.s I know i'll lose the triple channel.

Thanks

 

[oneeyed]

It is possible to mix different sizes like you want but you'll lose dual/triple channel.

3 things to check though :
* Make sure your motherboard supports the new memory sticks model (go to your MB's manufacturer site, there should be a page about compatible memory)
* Check that new stick has the same timing and voltage that the ones already installed (should be in the specs of the memory).
* Check what's the max total memory size your motherboard can support. There's also a memory limit by slot (say Max 2 GB by slot for example), which depends on the motherboard (check its specs on the manufacurer's site or in your manual)

 

[Robwan]

Thank you this is helpful. My mobo is gigabyte EX58-UD3R, I will check all the specs and make sure any new ram is compatible, I know it can hold 16gb max though.

So to clarify I need to make sure:

The timing is the same, mine are 7-9-9-28 and I have to find a 4gb stick matching that right?
Voltage is 1.5
I should also match speed right of 1600mhz?

And as long as I match all those it will work?

I'll lose triple channel and it will run in single channel 10gb I presume, or will be 4gb in duel and 6bg in single?....either way both will be faster than 6gb triple I'm hoping. It's for 3d programs and photoshop where ram gets high.

Thanks again

 

[LMiller7]

In theory any combination of compatible RAM should work. But things don't always work that way in the real world. Any mismatch such as a different module size, specifications, or even manufacturer may cause problems. There is no way of knowing without trying it.

For best results it is best to always use matched modules.

 

[oneeyed]

Yes you "should" be good, it highly dependent on what your motherboard supports. And mixing-matching can sometimes (rarely but it happens) lead to incompatibilities : with the MB, between the DDR modules, and some MB don't like when mixing single-sided (chips on one side only) DDR with double-sided (chips on both sides) DDR.

Having the same speed (Mhz) should be better, but it's mainly for overall performance. If they are not the same the motherboard will fall back to the speed of the slowest memory module. If the memory stick you're buying is faster, you'll have the same performance as with your old memory sticks.

Here is 2 interesting articles that explain more :
What Are The Rules On Mixing Two Different Types Of RAM? | Lifehacker Australia
Mixing Brands of DDR Memory

 

[Robwan]

Thank you everyone!