Checking RAM compatibility when mixing kits is essential for upgrades.
Checking RAM compatibility when mixing kits is essential for upgrades.
I was seeking advice on the RAM to purchase for an upgrade from 2x16GB to 4x. Currently, I own the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB DDR4 3466MHz kit (CMW32GX4M2C3466C16), but it’s no longer available and can’t be bought affordably. Would it be feasible to get something like the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB DDR4 3600MHz C18 (CMW32GX4M2Z3600C18) and attempt to overclock my existing kits while adjusting their speeds?
It seems you're suggesting opting for a complete 2x32 setup rather than mixing RAM and multiple sticks. This approach would enhance stability, particularly in demanding environments.
That's what I aimed to prevent since it would double the expense.
Adjusting your kit's timing from C16 to C18 (slower) and then lowering the clock speed from 3600 to 3466 could help avoid instability. Since you're not overclocking but simply reducing the speed, it should work without risking damage.
The problem isn't just about getting two different sticks. It often comes from memory ICs needing very different board settings to stay stable, which can prevent the system from even starting properly with mixed memory. This situation is less frequent these days but still occurs. First, identify your CPU and motherboard—this greatly influences performance, especially if you're using a low-end 2x16GB setup where you'd likely be at triple or quadruple rank. The CPU's memory controller might struggle to manage such configurations. Second, Corsair DIMMs let you inspect the memory ICs by testing the sticks and checking their version numbers. A 3466MHz chip usually indicates dual-rank compatibility, so you'd expect v4.31 on the side of the sticks. If it shows v4.31, it confirms dual-rank hardware but also suggests many kits share that exact IC, though they tend to be costly. You might save money by upgrading to a 2x32GB kit—early B die models can fetch $130–140 on eBay, while a 2x16GB unit could cost around $130–140 as well. If the version isn't v4.31, let me know what it is.
Thanks for your reply. It made sense to join here since I’m not familiar with these details. The motherboard is a Gigabyte X570 AORUS PRO with BIOS 1.1.0.0, and the CPU is an AMD Ryzen 7 3800x. I didn’t remove any RAM to test, but CPU-Z indicates the dual-rank setup appears to be an older Samsung 8GBit B-Die chipset.
This situation points strongly to Samsung B die being responsible. Prior to its discontinuation, it was the primary RAM supplier for high-speed chips (around 3200MHz and above). If you need a kit with similar memory modules in a 2x16GB setup, expect to pay around $200 for a system that supports 3466MHz CL16. You might also face challenges with memory controller support at such speeds—most Ryzen 3000/5000 processors typically handle 3200MHz CL16 with four DIMMs only after significant tuning.
The good side is that older B die models, especially those from earlier generations, are readily available on platforms like eBay. Prices for comparable kits range from about $120 to $140. Checking the label confirms it’s a B die (version 4.31), which should help you verify authenticity.
If your budget allows, consider spending $20-30 more for a 64GB upgrade to 3600MHz CL18, which would be a worthwhile investment. Alternatively, you could opt for a kit targeting 3800MHz CL14 for stable performance without pushing the limits of your controller.
B die are prized mainly because they excel at overclocking. I’ve found kits that push speeds to 4800MHz CL15 and another to 3800MHz CL14, though both have reached their memory controller’s boundaries. In practice, real-world gains between tuned B die and standard 3200MHz CL16 models are limited, especially outside quad rank configurations.