No, you cannot merge those two entries.
No, you cannot merge those two entries.
You're considering a mix of older and newer RAM sticks. The current setup with two HX424C15FBK2/8 units should work fine for basic tasks, but combining them might not be ideal due to compatibility and stability issues. Upgrading to 32GB would likely require more RAM modules than your current slots can handle, risking instability. It's better to invest in a fresh 16GB kit if you want reliable performance now.
Generally, you can combine RAM. Both sets come from the same maker, share identical latency, match clock speeds, and use the same voltage levels. While mixing isn't ideal, it's achievable. Since the two kits perform quite similarly, there should be no major issues. Adjusting XMP settings could work too, given the matching timings and voltages. Experimentation will be key.
irrelevant regarding xmp sticks since they usually come with random ics unless it's a special build or from certain brands like klevv/crucial. The specs don't matter much because the ICS control frequency timing is what really matters, and compatibility remains good at a reasonable price. Just swap the old unit into the inner channels and the new one to the outer ones—it reduces the chance of issues if they're not mixed together. If your board supports separate timings per channel, like on my x58a ud3r, you can still achieve proper overclocks. Compatibility isn't a problem since you can fine-tune timing by channel.