Good RAM to mix with Crucial Ballistix

[Cris.py]

Hello all,

 

I've built my PC about 2 years ago and opted for 16 GB of RAM (2x 8GB), going for Crucial Ballistix RGB 3600 CL16 which fits well with my 5600x as well as my aesthetic (black - white build).

I now have a need of more RAM and decided to buy another kit of same RAM and ... I can't find it anywhere. Seriously, this specific RAM just doesn't exist anywhere in EU. 

 

What are my options? Should I try to find something as close as possible? Something faster? Or should I swap it out completely. I know mix and match of RAM is not a great idea but I still want some suggestions.

[Bismut]

You might be able to buy some of the same RAM used. Longevety usually isn't a concern with RAM (A few manufacturers offer lifetime warranties), but finding your specific model might be difficult and you'd still be mixing and matching. That said, I wouldn't worry about m&m too much, as it shouldn't make a huge difference if you can clock the kits the same (at least from my limited experience in m&ming DDR3 and 4).

Selling your RAM and buying a bigger kit would probably be the safest option, but also means more effort for you.

[FliP0x]

Mixing and matching can cause apps to crash or your PC to bluescreen altogether.

It's not just a theoretical "it can happen", it will happen.

If you're mixing, at least make sure that the capacity and rated speed is the same.

[BetteBalterZen]

9 minutes ago, FliP0x said:

Mixing and matching can cause apps to crash or your PC to bluescreen altogether.

It's not just a theoretical "it can happen", it will happen.

If you're mixing, at least make sure that the capacity and rated speed is the same.

Mixing wont necessarily cause BSODs or crashes, but the more high end the memory, higher the risk of it. But mixing high end RAM with low end RAM should in theory not be a problem because after memory training, the motherboard will default the fast RAM to the slow RAM, it won't try and run both sticks at different RAM speeds. 

But yes, it is best to find matching RAM - absolutely true. And if you wanna be 100% sure of stability, you need to buy a kit with 4 sticks because these 4 sticks would then have been tested together in production. 

[connie496]

i have mixed and match ram before and even tho they are the sam speed(3200) the best i can run them at now without oc is 2666.

made a post about it few hours ago

[FliP0x]

40 minutes ago, BetteBalterZen said:

Mixing wont necessarily cause BSODs or crashes, but the more high end the memory, higher the risk of it. But mixing high end RAM with low end RAM should in theory not be a problem because after memory training, the motherboard will default the fast RAM to the slow RAM, it won't try and run both sticks at different RAM speeds. 

But yes, it is best to find matching RAM - absolutely true. And if you wanna be 100% sure of stability, you need to buy a kit with 4 sticks because these 4 sticks would then have been tested together in production. 

In theory yes, but I am typing this on a machine with mixed RAM right now and I can tell you, it's not a pleasant experience.

 

Apps are randomly crashing or stop working, BSODs due to memory management are rare, but can happen. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

[Tan3l6]

I've very often used mixed kits, just have to negotiate speeds and timings in BIOS and everything works flawless then.

Mixed kits might need a bit tinkering, but I've never had incompatible kits. And I've had 10+ kits in recent years.

[BetteBalterZen]

6 minutes ago, FliP0x said:

In theory yes, but I am typing this on a machine with mixed RAM right now and I can tell you, it's not a pleasant experience.

 

Apps are randomly crashing or stop working, BSODs due to memory management are rare, but can happen. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

I have mixed a lot of RAM before without issues, and I have mates with PCs using mixed RAM, also without any issues. 

[freeagent]

It could go either way, smooth sailing or endless problems.. it depends on your luck