Yes, they are compatible.
Yes, they are compatible.
Hello, I'm thinking about enhancing the PC I assembled around five years ago. As part of this upgrade, I aim to install 16GB DDR4 RAM. The current setup includes an affordable 8GB 2133MHz module from Kingston. The documentation doesn't specify an XMP profile, which makes me uncertain whether it can be manually overclocked. Since my motherboard only supports up to 2133MHz, I won't be able to test it until the new one arrives. If I opt for a 8GB 3200MHz model like this one, can I pair it with the older unit in dual-channel mode? I've heard it should match the slower speed, but the specs indicate the newest RAM supports up to DDR4-2400. Would I need to hope the older RAM could be boosted to that frequency, or is there a chance it won't work? In my view, adding 16GB is worthwhile even at a low speed, and I'd like the newer stick to reach over 3000MHz someday if needed.
The CPU memory controller operates at a single speed, meaning both sticks must share the same clock rate. You'll likely need to either upgrade the older stick to match the new one or consider overclocking the older one. It seems more practical to purchase two identical sticks and sell the outdated one.
Ensure both RAM modules share the same rank level. Your first module is Dual Rank (2R x 8), while the second is Single Rank (1Rx8). This setup should generally function, though it’s not ideal. If your original stick is Dual Rank, keep both at that level. The new module you shared is 3200 MHz 1.35V... It should operate at lower speeds like 1.2V using reduced frequencies. The datasheet indicates the default (JEDEC) profile for DDR4-2400 CL17-17-17 at 1.2V. Your motherboard will likely run it at 2133 MHz even without a built-in SPD profile for that voltage, but mixing Dual and Single Rank sticks is not advised. Avoid pairing sticks from different manufacturers. It’s better to use RAM from the same brand (such as Samsung, Micron, Hynix, EMPIDA, etc.). You probably don’t need to worry about frequency; a 3200 MHz stick will work at 3000, 2666, 2400, or even 2133 MHz. Most modern RAM sticks can handle up to around 2666 MHz at 1.2V. Don’t hesitate to opt for higher frequencies if your module supports it—just ensure the chipset and controller are compatible.