I currently have a pc with 2x8gb DDR4 ram. I have two open slots and want to add more. I have always heard you should get the same size sticks and even same manufacturer in a perfect world. I am wonderiung how much does this really matter? can I buy 2x16gb sticks and then have a total of 48gb? will this work? or do I need to get 2x8gb sticks? also the numbers related to timing do these need to match the sticks I already have? I know in a perfect world I would have 4 sticks of same size and brand but thats not the point here. Can I mix and match and will this be effective? what do I need to know? any feedback greatly appreciated!!
Adding Ram?
- Thread starter gyouska
- Start date
Colif
Moderator
using non matched sticks can lead to BSOD you weren't having before
What CPU do you have? Intel systems might cope better with adding more ram. Ryzen might struggle.
its not just the sizes. You can have exactly same sticks, but if they not part of a set, they might cause errors. Sticks in sets only tested to work with other sticks in that set.
If you want 4 sticks without errors, buy 4 in a set.
Colif
Moderator
It might work fine or it might cause errors.
there is no way to know before hand.
I have seen people with motherboards that accept 8 sticks of ram, and they filled every slot with 4 different sets, and it all worked.
Others add 1 stick and get errors.
Its a gamble, is what I am saying. I wouldn't do it myself but I can understand temptation. If I didn't have Ryzen, it would be tempting to add 2 more sticks but i really don't need more than 32gb, it would just be to make my rgb look better.
there is no way to know before hand.
I have seen people with motherboards that accept 8 sticks of ram, and they filled every slot with 4 different sets, and it all worked.
Others add 1 stick and get errors.
Its a gamble, is what I am saying. I wouldn't do it myself but I can understand temptation. If I didn't have Ryzen, it would be tempting to add 2 more sticks but i really don't need more than 32gb, it would just be to make my rgb look better.
Brian Boru
Moderator
Welcome to the forum 
In your situation I advise you to buy a 2x16GB set. Try adding it to existing 2x8GB. If it works, happy days with 48GB! If it doesn't, remove the 2x8s and you have 32GB of good RAM, which should still make most/all days happy
As Colif has said, you can't know beforehand.
In your situation I advise you to buy a 2x16GB set. Try adding it to existing 2x8GB. If it works, happy days with 48GB! If it doesn't, remove the 2x8s and you have 32GB of good RAM, which should still make most/all days happy
Colif
Moderator
how do you return the ram he already owns? you can't just send it back for a refund unless there is something wrong with it.
Brian Boru
Moderator
Colif
Moderator
Brian Boru
Moderator
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