In the process of purchasing a new RAM set – or upgrading your current one – one issue that frequently arises is; Can you try out different RAM brands? Whether you’re seeking to acquire a new RAM pack – or improve your old one – the answer is yes.
Storage compatibility, as well as synchronicity, may both be achieved by keeping a few factors in mind. By doing so, you can ensure that the system runs with the highest possible recognition memory.
Can You Use Two Different Brands of RAM? – Factors to Consider When Mix Ram Sticks
In this post, I will address the question raised above, as well as any other issues that may arise when installing extra RAM on a computer system that already has a limited number of memory slots available.
Some recommendations will be tailored specifically to individuals who are wanting to establish a fresh setup and for those who need to buy the device’s RAM in advance.
Is It Possible to MIX Multiple Ram Brands?
Briefly stated the answer to these questions is “absolutely.”
No matter what brand, performance, or volume of RAM you choose, you should be able to get it to function on your system in theory; nevertheless, this could prove to be challenging in practice.
It is also possible that you will not find a change in performance according to your configuration and workload.
The memory format will be the RAM property that will almost surely result in a mismatch between RAM kits of different brands. Different generations of RAM sticks – such as DDR3 and DDR4 – will not be compatible with one another.
In addition to these considerations, numerous more elements must be considered to achieve adequate outcomes – a few of which may be intrinsically luck-dependent.
That’s also why attempting to design such a setup is frequently not recommended — although it is technically doable.
Why Does It Matter if You MIX Brands?
RAM sticks are developed in a variety of ways by different manufacturers. They use a variety of memory processors, dies, components, PCBs, and bespoke circuits to achieve their various goals and objectives.
This is a long list of variables that may or may not end prove to be unimportant, but there are instances in which a disagreement between these modifications will result in stuttering and crashes, or perhaps a massive failure to load the system.
RAM sets (Modules that are offered together in a single package) are manufactured to ensure that they perform properly with one another and cannot with any other RAM brands as well as variants from the same manufacturer.
When upgrading a computer system, it is common for multiple RAM kits to be mixed. Many Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) ports will be required as a result of this.
The greater the number of available slots that are allocated, the greater the likelihood that such inter-brand component problems will occur.
Important Factors to Consider
It is not only the differences in brand-defining qualities that might generate inherent problems with RAM modules; such complexities can be exacerbated by a variety of additional elements.
1. Voltage
For starters, the voltage requirements of RAM brands will differ. Because the voltage specifications of the two RAM units are different, the much more power-consuming RAM module will be provided fewer volts than would be needed to preserve it running at its maximum capacity.
It does not rule out the possibility of the RAM unit functioning, however, it does suggest that this might not function at its resonant speed and consistency.
2. Dual-channel memory vs. single-channel memory
One thing that will have an impact on performance is just how the memory is configured inside the RAM modules.
Single or dual memory units work in different ways, and while this difference will not have a significant influence on the majority of customers, it can have a significant impact on a small number of them.
In the end, the distinction between these two channels’ bandwidths is insignificant for users who use their PC primarily for playing games, browsing, or other low-demanding tasks.
In contrast, whenever it concerns intensive tasks like 3D modeling, simulation, or editing software, evaluations have shown that dual-channel RAM can increase the speed by up to 20%.
The ram will indeed be arranged into a variety of multi-channel configurations based on the scale and number of RAM sticks installed.
If a section of the RAM doesn’t couple with several other computer memory of comparable capacity, it may be allowed to function in a single-channel configuration.
3. Storage Capacity
As said before, when it relates to the total memory setup, different-sized RAM modules can be a source of contention.
When a bigger storage volume RAM module is coupled with a reduced storage container, the ram channels would be linked asynchronously.
This is referred to as Flex Mode in some circles.
It is possible to couple the lesser capacity store with 50% of the bigger module’s storage space by using an asynchronous double arrangement like this.
When 16 GB GB RAM is used in conjunction with such an 8GB RAM unit, the 16 GB module’s first 8GB will be used asynchronously dual-channel setup with its 8GB stick.
The 8 Gb of Memory remaining on the 16 GB chip will be used in a single channel.
4. Speed of the RAM: Frequency & Latency
Things start to break apart as it tends to come to combining different RAM modules because of the differences in speed between the modules. Even though you can combine RAM units of differing speeds, if or not these will function is a coin toss at this point.
The presence of difficulties is likely to occur even though the modules are configured to perform at the performance of the slowest unit. The speed of the memory is characterized by two parameters: the RAM speed and also the latency of the memory.
The following describes the connection between these two:
The relative latency of such a RAM (estimated in nanoseconds) is obtained by multiplying the equivalent of the clock rate (in phases) split by two and dividing the result by the number of memory cells in the sticks.
An ultimate latency equal 16/(3,600,000,000/2), or roughly 8.89 nanoseconds, will be achieved with a RAM module operating at 3,600 MHz clock frequency and a CAS of 16 phases. however, if you want to skip doing the calculation manually, you can simply do it in a latency simulator.
This is significant because it demonstrates that mixed memory modules should have both appropriate RAM speed and CAS latency (CL).
This is reasonably simple for 2 RAM sticks, however, using 3 or 4 DIMM ports would most likely cause problems.
So Why Would You Purchase a Single Set That Has Your Entire Ram Capacity?
Considering all of the criteria listed, it’s simple and that’s why most people recommend buying comparable RAM sticks inside a single bundle to get the best performance.
It is easier than it sounds since you will eventually want to expand your device’s memory, which will require boosting the RAM’s internal storage or performance.
The simplest approach to minimize these upgrade problems is to think ahead and buy RAM that is compatible with your CPU generation and usage.
Luckily, several principles might assist you in determining what would be the ideal RAM parameters for your CPU.
Once you do decide to update, you may simply purchase new RAM sticks that are identical to the ones you currently have.
Prepare Your Memory Setup Before You Begin
The recommended specs for your CPU will vary depending on the brand of your processor.
For those who are curious about how much storage they should buy, the answer always depends on the volume of workload they want to support.
For film editing, 32 or 64 Gb ram is required, although 16 GB of RAM will be enough for gaming purposes.
Conclusion
Overall, if you intend to upgrade the ram in your computer, this is always a good idea to get a single RAM module.
Unfortunately, it is natural that it isn’t always consistent with the spending plan that has been set aside, and also your present requirements.
Ensure sure to obtain potential RAM requirements if you are intending to create a new computer so that updating the later will be a straightforward process.
Assuming your Computer has such a RAM module that is slower than what you would like, then you also can buy extra RAM as well as the test by installing it to the System until you are capable of replacing the previous memory with a faster one.
Keep in mind: the greater the number of variables from which you can reduce variance, the greater the likelihood that you can achieve optimal adaptability.
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