F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Four distinct RAM modules available!

Four distinct RAM modules available!

Four distinct RAM modules available!

X
XenoMorphFTW
Junior Member
Find
11
12-19-2023, 12:01 AM
#1
I’m beginning to improve my 5-year-old PC, but I don’t have a lot of money for big upgrades. I’m curious—can I connect my two existing RAM sticks with 2x4 slots to the new 2x8 RAM modules? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Reply
Reply
X
XenoMorphFTW
12-19-2023, 12:01 AM #1

I’m beginning to improve my 5-year-old PC, but I don’t have a lot of money for big upgrades. I’m curious—can I connect my two existing RAM sticks with 2x4 slots to the new 2x8 RAM modules? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Reply
Reply
T
The_dano
Junior Member
Find
48
12-25-2023, 06:20 PM
#2
should function properly though it may take a little longer. if your system doesn’t typically run more than 16gb, stick with the new 2x8 now. if you experience memory issues even with the 2x8, consider adding the others—just be aware that RAM speed and timings will be reduced.
Reply
Reply
T
The_dano
12-25-2023, 06:20 PM #2

should function properly though it may take a little longer. if your system doesn’t typically run more than 16gb, stick with the new 2x8 now. if you experience memory issues even with the 2x8, consider adding the others—just be aware that RAM speed and timings will be reduced.

Reply
Reply
X
xXGT94Xx
Junior Member
Find
15
12-25-2023, 10:53 PM
#3
I'd rather avoid it. It may lead to issues like XMP not functioning correctly or the PC crashing. I've had this experience before. If you can, please order the two 8-gig sticks and replace the 2x4 sticks. Having 24 gigabytes of RAM isn't necessary.
Reply
Reply
X
xXGT94Xx
12-25-2023, 10:53 PM #3

I'd rather avoid it. It may lead to issues like XMP not functioning correctly or the PC crashing. I've had this experience before. If you can, please order the two 8-gig sticks and replace the 2x4 sticks. Having 24 gigabytes of RAM isn't necessary.

Reply
Reply
M
Mundee
Junior Member
Find
17
01-02-2024, 01:06 PM
#4
Choose the same kind of RAM for your system. A machine from five years ago might use DDR3, so stick to DDR3 as well. Verify that your motherboard can handle 8 GB modules—it might only support up to 4 GB, giving you a total of 16 GB. If you have an Intel processor, ensure the new RAM matches its specifications; some chipsets and processors don’t work well with DDR3. This depends on how the memory cells are laid out and connected. AMD offers more options for DDR3 compared to Intel, which can handle a wider range of modules. You can select higher frequency sticks, and they’ll automatically adjust to the lowest supported speed among all modules. With Intel and DDR3, check your current RAM’s voltage using tools like CPU-Z. If your CPU likes DDR3L (1.35V), confirm your sticks match that voltage. If your CPU prefers DDR3L, stick to 1.35V modules; otherwise, you can use higher voltage sticks (up to 1.65V) but expect increased heat. Intel chips that support DDR3L at 1.35V can only work with sticks up to 1.5V, so higher voltage sticks won’t help you reach certain speeds. You can purchase 1866 MHz (or faster) 1.65V modules, which will run smoothly at 1600 MHz with 1.5V if you keep them at that voltage.

If you’re considering a 16 GB RAM upgrade, think about the cost—about $30 to $50. You might invest $100 to $120 in a CPU, more RAM, and a good motherboard. Adding dual-channel RAM adds significant value. Swapping out older components for new ones usually boosts performance noticeably.
Reply
Reply
M
Mundee
01-02-2024, 01:06 PM #4

Choose the same kind of RAM for your system. A machine from five years ago might use DDR3, so stick to DDR3 as well. Verify that your motherboard can handle 8 GB modules—it might only support up to 4 GB, giving you a total of 16 GB. If you have an Intel processor, ensure the new RAM matches its specifications; some chipsets and processors don’t work well with DDR3. This depends on how the memory cells are laid out and connected. AMD offers more options for DDR3 compared to Intel, which can handle a wider range of modules. You can select higher frequency sticks, and they’ll automatically adjust to the lowest supported speed among all modules. With Intel and DDR3, check your current RAM’s voltage using tools like CPU-Z. If your CPU likes DDR3L (1.35V), confirm your sticks match that voltage. If your CPU prefers DDR3L, stick to 1.35V modules; otherwise, you can use higher voltage sticks (up to 1.65V) but expect increased heat. Intel chips that support DDR3L at 1.35V can only work with sticks up to 1.5V, so higher voltage sticks won’t help you reach certain speeds. You can purchase 1866 MHz (or faster) 1.65V modules, which will run smoothly at 1600 MHz with 1.5V if you keep them at that voltage.

If you’re considering a 16 GB RAM upgrade, think about the cost—about $30 to $50. You might invest $100 to $120 in a CPU, more RAM, and a good motherboard. Adding dual-channel RAM adds significant value. Swapping out older components for new ones usually boosts performance noticeably.

Reply
Reply