ram combinations

[Shinnywolf]

can i mix different size ram sticks i.e 1x8gb + 2x 2gb without it causing problems?

as far as im aware they are the same speed but if the were not im assuming the combination would only run as fast as the slowest ram stick or would this cause system crashes?

 

[Blain]

Same speed, same voltages and same CAS... And you're in good shape.

 

[Shinnywolf]

Same speed, same voltages and same CAS... And you're in good shape.

will it cause system crashes if they dont match?

 

[bbhaag]

will it cause system crashes if they dont match?

I don't think it will. I just mixed and matched some 2x2gig sticks with some 2x4gig sticks in my sons computer and seems to be running ok. Of course YMMV depending on MB and the ram you are using.

 

[john3850]

I added 2x4gig sticks to my 2x8gig but that has a even amount on each channel.
I suppose if you put the 1x8gb in channel A and you put the 2x2gig sticks B you may get 8GB in dual channel + 4GB in flex mode.
It would be interesting to know if dual channel can split one stick.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

can i mix different size ram sticks i.e 1x8gb + 2x 2gb without it causing problems?

as far as im aware they are the same speed but if the were not im assuming the combination would only run as fast as the slowest ram stick or would this cause system crashes?

Your assumption is likely correct, but it's not something I would do.

I've seen mainstream users buy a budget PC with 1 stick of dual-channel RAM, and of course, that's fine.

But why would you bother to do it, when RAM is so cheap and you could simply buy another kit of two modules?

 

[Shinnywolf]

Your assumption is likely correct, but it's not something I would do.

I've seen mainstream users buy a budget PC with 1 stick of dual-channel RAM, and of course, that's fine.

But why would you bother to do it, when RAM is so cheap and you could simply buy another kit of two modules?

i was only asking as ive just built my son a pc and i got a good deal on a combo package that had bulldozer fx6300, gigabyte 970a and 4gb ram.
i removed the ram and replaced it with a 8gb corsair stick from my pc (i was running 4x8gb so could spare one for him to improve the build) and i was contemplating putting the 2 x 2gb sticks back in to give him more ram
but if its going to cause problems i will just keep it as a backup

 

[bononos]

Mixing ram sticks for a fairly recent 6300 mb should work.

I added 2x4gig sticks to my 2x8gig but that has a even amount on each channel.
I suppose if you put the 1x8gb in channel A and you put the 2x2gig sticks B you may get 8GB in dual channel + 4GB in flex mode.
It would be interesting to know if dual channel can split one stick.

I don't think thats how dual channel works.

 

[john3850]

Mixing ram sticks for a fairly recent 6300 mb should work.


I don't think thats how dual channel works.

I believe dual channel needs equal amounts in each channel.
What would you get with 1x8+2x2
If you put 2GB in each channel you would have 4GB dual channel + 8Gb in flex mode correct.