Mixing Different RAM Brands/Models?

[Mattr567]

As the title says,

 

Would this work?

 

Currently I have some 8GB A-Data 1600 http://goo.gl/5sf9cR

 

I plan to upgrade to 16GB of RAM, so the obvious solution is to get another 8GB kit.

 

When I built my PC, I discovered that my Ram wouldn't fit with my 212 Evo in the first set of slots,

so I put my Ram in the second set of slots so they would fit.

 

If I were to get a second set of the same ram they wouldn't fit in those first set of slots.

 

Would getting a different brand with smaller heatsinks be compatible with my current memory? (same speed)

Otherwise I would have to cut some of the heatsink off, and that would void my warranty, and possibly kill the sticks.

 

Thanks.

[thekeemo]

yup no prob

[QueenDemetria]

Would getting a different brand with smaller heatsinks be compatible with my current memory? (same speed)

Otherwise I would have to cut some of the heatsink off, and that would void my warranty, and possibly kill the sticks.

 

It will work just fine, just try to find a kit with the same or similar timings and get a kit that is 1600mhz or faster.

[Icefire555]

You don't get the dual channel bonus. Which means with two different sticks you wouldn't get the full performance out of them. But they would work.

[Mattr567]

You don't get the dual channel bonus. Which means with two different sticks you wouldn't get the full performance out of them. But they would work.

 

Ok, How about cutting heatsinks? Seems to be some confusion on the web if this is a viable option or not.

[Icefire555]

Ok, How about cutting heatsinks? Seems to be some confusion on the web if this is a viable option or not.

 

By cutting a heat sink, you mean like physically? or is that a term that I don't fully understand? Because as long as the heat sink has enough surface area to dissipate the heat. It will be fine. However the less surface area usually correlates to reduced cooling performance. 

[Mattr567]

By cutting a heat sink, you mean like physically? or is that a term that I don't fully understand? Because as long as the heat sink has enough surface area to dissipate the heat. It will be fine. However the less surface area usually correlates to reduced cooling performance. 

 

Yes, physically with a tool.

If you look at the pictures of the ram, it would only be the top points on the left and right side.

[Mattr567]

Found this:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211861&cm_re=A-Data_XPG_V1.0_8GB_%282_x_4GB%29_DDR3-1600_Memory-_-20-211-861-_-Product

 

 

Would this be compatible?

 

 

 

EDIT: Should be

[Icefire555]

Yes, physically with a tool.

If you look at the pictures of the ram, it would only be the top points on the left and right side.

 

What is your Mobo, and heat sink? Manufactures of heat sinks tend to list compatible ram on the product pages.

[Mattr567]

What is your Mobo, and heat sink? Manufactures of heat sinks tend to list compatible ram on the product pages.

 

• CPU
  AMD 6300 6-Core
• Motherboard
  Asus M5A78L-M/USB3
• RAM
  A-Data V2 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600
• GPU
  EVGA GTX 750 Ti FTW ACX
• Case
  Bitfenix Prodigy M
• Storage
  1TB WD Caviar Blue 7200RPM
• PSU
  XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Fully Modular
• Display(s)
  Asus VS238H-P 23.0"
• Cooling
  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

[Icefire555]

 

 

 Can you rotate the heat sink? and just strap the fan on the side away from the memory? It doesn't look like that big of a heat sink, so I don't see a lot of compatibility issues. Unless you are running duel fans.

[Mattr567]

 Can you rotate the heat sink? and just strap the fan on the side away from the memory? It doesn't look like that big of a heat sink, so I don't see a lot of compatibility issues. Unless you are running duel fans.

 

Thanks.

 

Cant do that right now, but will later. One more question that was not answered: Will my Current RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211769&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Work with the V1 version? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211861&cm_re=A-Data_XPG_V1.0_8GB_%282_x_4GB%29_DDR3-1600_Memory-_-20-211-861-_-Product

[Mattr567]

Including dual channel

[Icefire555]

If you don't mix and match, yes. No problems!
Duel channel kits are made by pulling off ram from the same assembly line. However the long ID on the memory signifies things like what batch it is from. Memory modules are often changed and components on them are moved around. So two identical sticks from different batches may not work together at their fullest. 

However each channel (two slots designated to work together) needs one pair of identical memory to run at its fullest. You can mix and match speeds across each channel (1333 in one and 1600) it will all work fine, but at 1333mhz.

[Icefire555]

Will my Current RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211769&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Work with the V1 version? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211861&cm_re=A-Data_XPG_V1.0_8GB_%282_x_4GB%29_DDR3-1600_Memory-_-20-211-861-_-Product

Do you have a duel channel kit? or single sticks?

[Mattr567]

Do you have a duel channel kit? or single sticks?

Current 8GB is dual channel

[Icefire555]

By mix and match. I'm saying putting very different sticks in the same memory channel. You will lose performance. ALSO some mobo do not support some memory. look at the mobo website and read the compatibility stuff to know. I can answer yes or no. But if you wanna learn how your computer works. Its a good thing to figure out! ^.^

[Icefire555]

But if you're running in pairs, than its very likely you will not have issues.