Upgrading RAM in Intel NUC

[raeyn]

Hi,

 

I currently have 1 8GB stick of RAM in my computer that was purchased 2 years ago. I need to upgrade to 16GB.

 

I was told that even if I purchase the exact same brand, there’s a high likelihood that it won’t be the same. I also learned that pretty much all RAM is made by Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron - and it’s really hard to find out which one is which.

 

Some folks recommended I purchase a good price/reputable brand and go with it. So, I did but I’ve had many complete OS lockup/freezes. So I took it out yesterday and am have returned it. 

 

So, moving forward, I’m planning to buy a 2x/8GB RAM kit to ensure no issues. I’m looking at HyperX, Crucial Ballistix, and GSkill. I’m wondering if you have any opinions on which of these are better - or if they are all going to be OK. Would I such much of any difference in performance?

 

Any suggestions/advice would really help. I’m quite “gun-shy” after having that first RAM purchase fail. Thanks so much for any help.

 

System specs:

Intel NUC 8i7BEH

Core i7 8559u 4 core/8 thread processor

8GB RAM (currently), Corsair Vengeance (DDR4 2400mhz, CL17, 260pin SODIMM)

Intel Iris 655 Graphics

M.2 NVMe SSD (recent addition w/ the RAM that’s going back, is now my primary drive)

2.5” SATA SSD (still has Linux Mint on it from initial install 2 years ago)

USB 3.0 External HDDs

 

The RAM that’s caused trouble is Patriot Viper Steel 2400mhz. Intel said as long as the RAM size was the same (8gb/8gb, or 16gb/16gb) that it didn’t matter if the timings and other specs were identical and it would run in dual-channel mode. Obviously, this wasn’t entirely true in this case. I’d like to get it right this time. :)

[Hold-Ma-Beer]

@raeyn Why don't you buy one more stick of that Corsair Vengeance??

[raeyn]

@Hold-Ma-Beer, because several people said that two years later, there’s a high likelihood that Corsair has changed the chips that they use and it won’t be compatible. At this point, I don’t want to risk having more issues so I’m thinking that I’ll just buy a matched set and sell the Corsair that I have. It’ll come out close to the same price, especially since the 8GB Corsair is one of the most expensive among its competitors right now.

[Hold-Ma-Beer]

@raeyn I thinks its highly unlikely that they've changed their chips. Unless you're buying any other series than vengeance, its unlikely. As far as I know, Corsair Vengeance uses Samsung chips from way back. But if you really don't want any risks.. It will be better  to buy new kit.