Mix and match RAM

[tom982]

Hi guys,

I'm going to need to do a little video editing (with the After Effects trial) in a few weeks' time, so I decided to practise a little beforehand so that my edit isn't half bad. When doing a RAM preview, it only loads at around 10 FPS which takes ages if I'm doing a slow-mo effect. When I built this PC, I only put 8GB of RAM in it as I wasn't planning on doing any video editing, but now that I am, I'm considering an upgrade. Is it unwise to mix and match different brands of RAM? I'd have to match the timings, speed and voltage, but apart from that I can't think why it would matter.

If it's of any use, this is what I currently have:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CML...1Q7O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353672349&sr=8-1

Thanks in advance,

Tom

 

[Cr00zng]

The size/voltage/timing is the same for the existing and new memory pairs. That's all what matters for the system and will work just fine. It'll also look great with the alternating blue and white colors in the memory slots..

You could, in theory, have diffent timings for the new memory pairs since they are in different dual-channel slots. For that matter, different brands with the same size/voltage/timing within the same dual-channel slots should work as well...

 

[tom982]

The size/voltage/timing is the same for the existing and new memory pairs. That's all what matters for the system and will work just fine. It'll also look great with the alternating blue and white colors in the memory slots..

You could, in theory, have diffent timings for the new memory pairs since they are in different dual-channel slots. For that matter, different brands with the same size/voltage/timing within the same dual-channel slots should work as well...

Oops, it would help if I'd posted the RAM that I've actually got! lol.

Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9W Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) 1600MHz CL9 DDR3 Two Memory Module Kit - White: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

My current RAM (the white one) is only 1.35V whereas the blue is 1.5V, I take it that isn't possible then?

 

[Cr00zng]

Oops, it would help if I'd posted the RAM that I've actually got! lol.

Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9W Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) 1600MHz CL9 DDR3 Two Memory Module Kit - White: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

My current RAM (the white one) is only 1.35V whereas the blue is 1.5V, I take it that isn't possible then?

In short, don't do it...

Your current memory is in your signature as well, that's how I knew the colors.

The different voltages between the dual channel banks may not work, it depends on how the motherboard feeds the memory voltage. The chances are that both channels receive the same voltage and cannot be independently adjusted. In which case it defaults to one of the values, effectively the voltage will be over/under in one of the banks.

You had to pick one out of the three values that actually should be the same

 

[Layback Bear]

Many people on many websites have posted that they get away with running mismatched ram but I never have. Sometimes the ram would post but not run properly. All the things that can be mismatched voltage is not one of them. Of course this is my opinion. Just a basic rule I go by is to always use matched ram bought at the same time from the same manufacture.. If possible buy ram packaged by the manufacture in the same amount of sticks you require. Example:
If you require 3 sticks of ram buy one package of 3 matched ram that is sealed. Some will say this is over kill until they spend days or even weeks of testing and swapping parts to find out a stick of mismatched ram was causing the hell they were going through. I had to buy mine in two packages. 2 packs of 3 sticks each. If they would of sold matched ram 6 pack I would of bought it that way.

 

[tom982]

In short, don't do it...

Your current memory is in your signature as well, that's how I knew the colors.

The different voltages between the dual channel banks may not work, it depends on how the motherboard feeds the memory voltage. The chances are that both channels receive the same voltage and cannot be independently adjusted. In which case it defaults to one of the values, effectively the voltage will be over/under in one of the banks.

You had to pick one out of the three values that actually should be the same

Thanks again for the help, I guess I'll order more of the white ones then

Many people on many websites have posted that they get away with running mismatched ram but I never have. Sometimes the ram would post but not run properly. All the things that can be mismatched voltage is not one of them. Of course this is my opinion. Just a basic rule I go by is to always use matched ram bought at the same time from the same manufacture.. If possible buy ram packaged by the manufacture in the same amount of sticks you require. Example:
If you require 3 sticks of ram buy one package of 3 matched ram that is sealed. Some will say this is over kill until they spend days or even weeks of testing and swapping parts to find out a stick of mismatched ram was causing the hell they were going through. I had to buy mine in two packages. 2 packs of 3 sticks each. If they would of sold matched ram 6 pack I would of bought it that way.

I completely understand and agree with your argument It might be overkill, but it doesn't take any extra time, or expense so you might as well - better to be safe than sorry.

Thanks again for both of your inputs! Most appreciated.

Tom