Mixing RAM sticks

[Lord_Kitty]

So, there's a system that is being used for graphics design that has only 4GB of memory. Its maxing out and causing freezes, often for up to 15 mins.

 

I'm having trouble find the exact same memory for it to work in dual-channel. Its a Zeppelin 4GB 1333MHz stick that was already in there. I can find a similar stick but at 1600MHz. Will it downclock and work in dual channel?

 

Also, I'm kind of leaning towards just buying another 4GB stick altogether and just ignore dual-channel. The PC isn't doing that much heavy work that it will benefit from an additional 10%-15% bandwidth increase. Will that cause stability problem? That would be the cheapest option too, so there that.

 

 

The system in question has a Sandy Bridge i3 on a MSI B75MA-E33.

 

One more thing, I need sure answers as the system's stability is very important in this case.

[The Crazed Child]

I myself have never mixed RAM sticks, and I don't know much about it, but I'm thinking that they might need the same timings and CAS latency. So maybe not.

[Totally-A-Hero]

Just buy all new ram.

[Shaqo_Wyn]

So, there's a system that is being used for graphics design that has only 4GB of memory. Its maxing out and causing freezes, often for up to 15 mins.

 

I'm having trouble find the exact same memory for it to work in dual-channel. Its a Zeppelin 4GB 1333MHz stick that was already in there. I can find a similar stick but at 1600MHz. Will it downclock and work in dual channel?

 

Also, I'm kind of leaning towards just buying another 4GB stick altogether and just ignore dual-channel. The PC isn't doing that much heavy work that it will benefit from an additional 10%-15% bandwidth increase. Will that cause stability problem? That would be the cheapest option too, so there that.

 

 

The system in question has a Sandy Bridge i3 on a MSI B75MA-E33.

 

One more thing, I need sure answers as the system's stability is very important in this case.

Although I've never mixed RAM sticks myself, I don't think it's wise to do this when you're doing graphics design and want system stability. Just buy a new dual channel kit 2 x 4GB at 1600MHZ. Check out A-Data XPG V2, they have good looking, quality RAM at great prices.

[Laurysss]

So, there's a system that is being used for graphics design that has only 4GB of memory. Its maxing out and causing freezes, often for up to 15 mins.

 

I'm having trouble find the exact same memory for it to work in dual-channel. Its a Zeppelin 4GB 1333MHz stick that was already in there. I can find a similar stick but at 1600MHz. Will it downclock and work in dual channel?

 

Also, I'm kind of leaning towards just buying another 4GB stick altogether and just ignore dual-channel. The PC isn't doing that much heavy work that it will benefit from an additional 10%-15% bandwidth increase. Will that cause stability problem? That would be the cheapest option too, so there that.

 

 

The system in question has a Sandy Bridge i3 on a MSI B75MA-E33.

 

One more thing, I need sure answers as the system's stability is very important in this case.

The new 1600Mhz stick i think will run only on 1333Mhz with the old one.

[rentaspoon]

Yes you can mix. I'm running a 2 different makes but it can be hit and miss but I'd just look at getting a 8gb stick if you can.

[euniqe]

don't bother buying a new 4gb stick, just buy a new 8gb stick and ditch the old one. 

[Lord_Kitty]

Just a follow up. I bought a Crucial 4GB 1600MHz stick, put it in the system and it would not boot. Then I removed the old Zeppelin one and set the Crucial stick at 1333MHz and let it at 9-9-9-24 timings (the same settings as the Zeppelin one). And surprise, it worked. I forgot to check in the BIOS but CPU-Z indicated it is working in dual channel.

 

I'm guessing I was lucky on this one though.

 

 

Although I've never mixed RAM sticks myself, I don't think it's wise to do this when you're doing graphics design and want system stability. Just buy a new dual channel kit 2 x 4GB at 1600MHZ. Check out A-Data XPG V2, they have good looking, quality RAM at great prices.

 

 

I was worried about the stability too, but the system seems to be just fine. Its not my system and I had to factor in the cost of the upgrade.