Ram question....

[bigBwana]

Hello people of the internet,

 

So I have built myself a PC with 2 slots on the motherboard taken up by 8GB of RAM (2x4GB). My question is, can I install 16GB (2x8GB) in the two other slots (assuming the 16Gb is the same frequency, type and timing)? 

 

Thank you for your answers.

[spartaman64]

you can

[Oshino Shinobu]

Yes and no. It can work, but isn't certain to (this goes for any RAM that isn't from the same kit). 

For best results, have the RAM set up as : 8GB-4GB-8GB-4GB. 

[spartaman64]

4 minutes ago, Julian2000nl said:

It's possible but you will lose a lot of power.

 

If you buy a 2x8GB RAM kit & you'll remove the 2x4 it will work better.

if you get 2x8gb sticks with the same frequency wouldnt it run at that frequency. there wont be a lot of noticeable performance difference at worst it will no longer run in dual channel

[MageTank]

1 hour ago, spartaman64 said:

if you get 2x8gb sticks with the same frequency wouldnt it run at that frequency. there wont be a lot of noticeable performance difference at worst it will no longer run in dual channel

It would operate in Flex Channel mode, where half of the 8GB dimms work in dual channel while the remaining portion of the module works in single channel. http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/boards-and-kits/000005657.html#flex

 

It will not be as fast as having pure dual channel, but it will not be as slow as single channel either. A happy medium, if you will.