Question on RAM configuration

[Lemonpearl]

So I gave my friend my old HyperX Savage memory (2x4GB @2400MHz).

 

They already have one stick of 16GB 1600MHz memory. So what's the best configuration to use here?

[suchamoneypit]

I mean you only have three possible options. One is to run 3 sticks, lose any potential dual channel benfits, and have 24GB RAM but have all the sticks downclock to 1600mhz. The other is to just run the 2x4GB alone if its dual channel to have dual channel. and lose the 16GB stick (not recommended). Third option is to simply not use those extra 2 sticks of RAM.

 

For me, having mixed sticks looks bad, and the chances I'd actually need to use more than 16GB of RAM is very unlikely, so I would just not use the 2x4GB.

[Lemonpearl]

4 minutes ago, suchamoneypit said:

The other is to just run the 2x4GB alone if its dual channel to have dual channel. and lose the 16GB stick (not recommended).

Thanks for the response. Since most games only really demand 8GB, is this such a bad idea?

Edited November 12, 2018 by Lemonpearl

[suchamoneypit]

2 minutes ago, Lemonpearl said:

Thanks for the response. Since most games only really demand 8GB, is this such a bad idea?

I don't know if that RAM supports dual channel. It might not. Even if it did, I would take 16GB over 8GB anyday. Even if its slightly slower. Its the difference between your system occasionally having to limit whats using RAM, and having everything that needs RAM having it.

[Lemonpearl]

Just now, suchamoneypit said:

I don't know if that RAM supports dual channel. It might not. Even if it did, I would take 16GB of 8GB anyday. Even if its slightly slower. Its the difference between your system occasionally having to limit whats using RAM, and having everything that needs RAM having it.

Ah, I should have mentioned I used to run it dual channel. So is having the two extra sticks worth it?

[suchamoneypit]

4 minutes ago, Lemonpearl said:

Ah, I should have mentioned I used to run it dual channel. So is having the two extra sticks worth it?

I laid out your options and their effects on the system. It seems like you just want to know what I would do. Its really your preference. There is no 100% right answer here. If you really think you need 24GB over 16GB, then run 3 sticks. I can't even come close to using all of my 16GB, Im betting you aren't either. If thats the case, than why bother trying to get the 3 sticks working together as it will affect the visuals a lot and not give any benefit. I have a system running with 4GB RAM, but have 10 more sticks of it laying around. The system literally never even comes close to using its 4GB, so why should I bother putting in more sticks if I'll see zero performance gain? I'd rather just store the RAM and I'll have it if I need it for something like troubleshooting a PC and putting together a quick system to test something (which is what I use it for).

[Lemonpearl]

2 minutes ago, suchamoneypit said:

I laid out your options and their effects on the system. It seems like you just want to know what I would do. Its really your preference. There is no 100% right answer here. If you really think you need 24GB over 16GB, then run 3 sticks. I can't even come close to using all of my 16GB, Im betting you aren't either. If thats the case, than why bother trying to get the 3 sticks working together as it will affect the visuals a lot and not give any benefit. I have a system running with 4GB RAM, but have 10 more sticks of it laying around. The system literally never even comes close to using its 4GB, so why should I bother putting in more sticks if I'll see zero performance gain? I'd rather just store the RAM and I'll have it if I need it for something like troubleshooting a PC and putting together a quick system to test something (which is what I use it for).

I see your point. Thank you for your help.

[Lemonpearl]

13 minutes ago, suchamoneypit said:

I laid out your options and their effects on the system. It seems like you just want to know what I would do. Its really your preference. There is no 100% right answer here. If you really think you need 24GB over 16GB, then run 3 sticks. I can't even come close to using all of my 16GB, Im betting you aren't either. If thats the case, than why bother trying to get the 3 sticks working together as it will affect the visuals a lot and not give any benefit. I have a system running with 4GB RAM, but have 10 more sticks of it laying around. The system literally never even comes close to using its 4GB, so why should I bother putting in more sticks if I'll see zero performance gain? I'd rather just store the RAM and I'll have it if I need it for something like troubleshooting a PC and putting together a quick system to test something (which is what I use it for).

Sorry to bother you again. My friend's PC only reports 8GB of RAM in use (i.e. the memory I gave him), instead of 24GB. Any ideas?

 

Edit: we're currently checking BIOS and weather the mobo has any RAM limits. 

[suchamoneypit]

6 hours ago, Lemonpearl said:

Sorry to bother you again. My friend's PC only reports 8GB of RAM in use (i.e. the memory I gave him), instead of 24GB. Any ideas?

 

Edit: we're currently checking BIOS and weather the mobo has any RAM limits. 

Its possible that that board simply doesn't like to work with different types of RAM mixed together. Its not a guaranteed thing. You can try re-seating the memory in its slot and a clear CMOS. If that still doesn't work, unfortunately I don't think your motherboard will allow it.