QUESTION: Will RAM with different Megahertz, capacity, or brand work together on the same motherboard?

[the_onlooker]

Hi Everyone,

 

I keep debating with myself and can't make up my mind, will RAM with different megahertz speeds, brands, or storage capacity work on the same motherboard?
Just a random question I'm trying to figure out.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

a_twoyearold

[IkeaGnome]

2 minutes ago, a_twoyearold said:

megahertz speeds

They'll XMP to the slowest one.

2 minutes ago, a_twoyearold said:

brands

If the DRAM chips play well together. 

 

2 minutes ago, a_twoyearold said:

storage capacity work

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005657/boards-and-kits.html#flex

Doing all three different sounds like it's asking for some stability issues though. 

[Sprawlie]

yes. (with caveats) you can mix and match ram like that. However, the RAM that doesn’t match will only run single channel, and all timings/speeds will run at the slowest of the set (eg, if you have 3 sticks that are 3600mhz, but one that’s 2133, All will run at 2133)

 

Also Caveat: Sometimes it just doesn’t work. I have encoutered a few boards, and servers over the year that will not post with some weird combinations. But generally speaking. You do not have to use matching sets.

 

Just generally speaking not worth the performance losses.

[the_onlooker]

20 minutes ago, Sprawlie said:

yes. (with caveats) you can mix and match ram like that. However, the RAM that doesn’t match will only run single channel, and all timings/speeds will run at the slowest of the set (eg, if you have 3 sticks that are 3600mhz, but one that’s 2133, All will run at 2133)

 

Also Caveat: Sometimes it just doesn’t work. I have encoutered a few boards, and servers over the year that will not post with some weird combinations. But generally speaking. You do not have to use matching sets.

 

Just generally speaking not worth the performance losses.

Thank you

[dilpickle]

Even matched sets sometimes don't work with certain motherboards even if its on the QVL. I would stop short of saying ram compatibility is like a crapshoot but it almost is.

[dizmo]

6 minutes ago, dilpickle said:

Even matched sets sometimes don't work with certain motherboards even if its on the QVL. I would stop short of saying ram compatibility is like a crapshoot but it almost is.

 Sounds like you tried to use first or second gen Ryzen.

[Somerandomtechyboi]

Usually mix and match works, id assume that if you mix match different sticks but with the same ram die you shouldnt lose any performance or oc ability but that depends on the die if your current kit, you can check via thaiphoon burner for ram dies

 

If it isnt samsung b die then good luck finding a stick with the same ram ic as your current ones

[the_onlooker]

Thank you all!