Upgrade from Single to Dual Channel Support
Upgrade from Single to Dual Channel Support
Hi, I currently own a 1x8GB Ballistix BLS8G4D32AESCK RAM stick and need another 1x8GB unit to reach 16GB in dual channel configuration. Unfortunately, the exact same model isn't available. I plan to purchase one with a 1x8GB Ballistix BLS8G4D32AESBK. My motherboard is an Asus PRIME-H310M-K-R2-0 which supports two memory slots. The CPU is an i5 9400f, and I’m aware the motherboard limits me to 2666MHz, which isn’t a constraint for me. I just want to know if buying another stick in a different package will allow dual channel performance. Please let me know if I’m on the right track. I’ve included links to my specifications if you’d like more details. Thanks!
It won’t appear attractive yet it will definitely function. Both units are 3200 CL16. I haven’t checked the other settings, but the usual guideline is that the dual channel pair runs at the pace of the least fast device.
It will connect to dual channel. The main challenge might be adjusting the frequency to 2666mhz and setting the voltage to 1.35, since they could default to 2133mhz at 1.2v
You're asking about why the system is limiting the frequency and voltage values. It's explaining that due to the motherboard's capabilities, only 2666MHz will be supported, not the full 3200MHz. The voltage is capped at 1.2V instead of 1.35V. The latency of 16ms is noted, but the explanation focuses on the frequency and voltage constraints.
With XMP activated in your BIOS they try to operate at 3200mhz CL16 @ 1.35v. When XMP isn't enabled (or called DOCP on certain boards) it runs at 2133mhz @ 1.2v. XMP refers to overclocking and automatically adjusts to those speeds if the board and CPU memory controller support it when you enable XMP/DOCP in BIOS settings. For instance, checking CPU-Z under the Memory section will show your current NB frequency with the existing single stick.
DDR means Double Data Rate. Multiply the value by two and it should be 2666mhz. Operate at 2666mhz CL16. I suggest using the updated stick and checking if it functions at that frequency with a 1.2v supply. My current units are 2x8gb with 3600mhz CL18 and 2133mhz CL14. I manually set them to 2666mhz for stability (using 32gb for certain tasks) across four DIMMs (Ryzen early models can be sensitive to tolerances). Both run at 1.2v without needing the extra voltage XMP requires (which is 1.35v for overclocking). If not, adjust the BIOS frequency to 2666mhz and revert voltages to 1.35 for your RAM—should work fine.
Thanks for your responses. I looked into some XMP videos on YouTube and found it wasn’t that complicated. I reached out to Crucial (RAM brand) and they advised me to get the exact same RAM to achieve dual channel. I’ll try to locate and purchase the identical one. I’ll update here if it doesn’t work or if there’s anything else. Appreciate your help!