Adding more RAM question

[Gringoloco]

Hello there. I wanted to ask about adding new RAM at a PC. Should the new one be at same speed as the one already being used or can their speed differ? Also the memory should it be the same amount or can that differ too. Are there any disadvantages of having 2 different speed dual channels? (2x4GB 1333Hz and 2x4GB at other speed)

[vkadurin]

It depends on your motherboard. If it supports higher speed RAM, there is no problem to go higher.And for the other question: I think you can't have RAM sticks with different speed.

[virusal19]

Adding different RAM is not recommended.

 

The memory should be same in specs (speed, latency, volts, ect.)

 

And the disadvantage of having two different RAM speed is that they will be downclocked to the lowest speed of RAM that you currently have in your system.  

[Nertballs]

it's not really all that good, the ram won't work at the speed it's rated, if it works at all. if it does work then it'll be downclocked to the lowest ram setting, and you might have to do that yourself.

[BoomLiam]

When using RAM, it should be as identical to the other sticks as possible, this includes ensuring that they run at the same speeds. You should also get it from the same manufacturer. If you really want to be safe and ensure that the RAM will work with no problems, I would suggest buying the exact same RAM. When running in dual channel, you should buy dual channel kits, and when running in quad channel, you should buy quad channel kits. This is because the manufacturer manufactures the RAM sticks together, ensuring they work together.

 

I do believe if you do buy different RAM at different speeds then the BIOS will automatically clock all RAM sticks to the lowest frequency, but it is not guaranteed that they will actually all work. 

[nishank93]

Every stick should be identical, if possible, even from the same kit, especially if you're stability testing (which you should) or overclocking.

[Art Vandelay]

I'm pretty sure motherboards won't let you set the ram to run at two different speeds. If it will, that probably will cause problems.

[Gringoloco]

Thanks for the fast anwesrs :)