Installing non-identical RAM in dual-channel mode

unclescrooge

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Installing almost-identical RAM in dual-channel mode

Hello folks,

I intend on installing additional RAM to a PC which is getting a bit long in the tooth. It currently runs the following in dual channel mode:
  • 2x2GB G.Skill DDR3-1600 F3-12800CL9D-4GBXL

The RAM I'm looking to add is:
  • 2x2GB G.Skill DDR3-1600 F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

As you can see from the above, the two sets are not exactly the same. The RAM modules within each set however are matched. Do you think this might cause any problems?

Many thanks for your assistance :)
 
Last edited:

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Anytime all ram is not matched it can cause problems.

You have a good chance your rams will work together because they are so closely match but you won't know until you try.
 

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Thanks for the reply :)

I gave it a go last night and while it POSTed fine and got into windows, it took an significantly longer time with 8GB than with 4GB. I'm guessing this means that the two pairs are not compatible with one another?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Pro x64AMD Phenom II X4 955 3.2GHz4GB CorsairnVidia GeForce GTX 650 Ti
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom
OS
Windows 7 Pro x64
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 955 3.2GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H (1.1) (F9 bios)
Memory
4GB Corsair
Graphics Card(s)
nVidia GeForce GTX 650 Ti
Sound Card
External NuForce 2 USB DAC
Monitor(s) Displays
2
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
Corsair GT (OS)
Seagate 250GB
Western Digital 2TB Green
Western Digital 4TB Green
PSU
Corsair VX-450
Case
Antec Solo
Cooling
Noctua NH-U12P SE2
Keyboard
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
Mouse
Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000
Internet Speed
24/1
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
Chrome
When I make any hardware changes I go into BIOS, review settings, and save the settings after making the hw change.
Make sure the settings look correct in BIOS.
Something you could try to see if it helps.
 

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