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One of the best ways to improve your PC’s performance is to upgrade the RAM. But will a new RAM stick of a different brand be compatible with the existing one? And can you install a different type of RAM on your computer? Here’s everything you need to know before attempting to mix and match types, speeds, sizes, and brands of RAM.
Can You Mix RAM Types?
When people talk about “RAM type” they’re talking about which generation of Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DDR RAM) the RAM modules are. More so than any other factor, RAM type has the biggest and most immediate impact on whether or not you can use the modules in your computer.
RAM types cannot be mixed because they have different physical and electrical characteristics. The type of RAM that you can use depends on your computer’s motherboard. If your motherboard is compatible withDDR4 RAM, you cannot installDDR5 RAMin it. This is similar toCPU socket typeswhere different generation CPUs can’t be used with certain motherboards because the base of the CPU simply won’t fit the socket on the motherboard.
To check the type of RAM that your motherboard is compatible with, you can visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and look for a section that says “Compatible memory.” Alternatively, you can check the RAM socket on your motherboard to determine thetype of RAMthat it is compatible with.
If your motherboard is compatible with DDR3 RAM, the RAM socket will have 240 pins. If your motherboard is compatible with DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, the RAM socket will have 288 pins. However, even though DDR4 andDDR5 RAMmodules have the same number of pins, the pinouts are slightly different. Therefore, you cannot install a DDR5 RAM module on a motherboard designed for DDR4 RAM, and vice versa.
In addition to the pin count, many other differences prevent you from installing two different types of RAM in your computer. For example, DDR5 RAM requires a lower voltage (1.1V) to operate than DDR4 RAM (1.2V). Attempting to install the wrong RAM type on your motherboard will result in damage to the RAM sockets and the motherboard.
Can You Mix RAM Speeds?
Yes, it is possible to mix RAM speeds, but it is not recommended because it results in subpar performance.
When you mix RAM modules of two different speeds, such as 3000MHz and 3600MHz, your computer will run at the speed of the slower module, which is 3000MHz in this example. This happens so your computer can access all the RAM simultaneously at the same speed and to prevent compatibility and stability issues.
Different RAM modules also have different timings and voltages. Using them together will likelycorrupt your dataand damage your motherboard and other components.
In addition, if your motherboard uses a dual-channel memory configuration, you must use RAM modules of the same capacity. Using two different modules may interfere with the proper functioning of dual-channel mode, potentially affecting overall system performance.
So while it is possible to mix RAM speeds, but you must be aware of the risks involved. Your computer may crash or display ablue screenwhen one RAM module is fully used, and your computer tries to use the other RAM module, which has a different speed.
Can You Mix RAM Brands?
Are you planning to upgrade your system but can’t find the same RAM brand you already have? Or are you getting a good discount on a RAM stick from a different brand? Whatever the situation, you may consider installing a RAM stick from another brand. But is this possible and safe to do?
While it is possible to mix RAM brands, it is not recommended. While mixing brands is certainly less problematic than trying to jam the wrong size RAM DIMM into your computer or mixing together different RAM speeds, it’s not without potential pitfalls.
Installing RAM sticks from two different brands can cause compatibility issues and reduce the overall performance of your system. You may also encounter overclocking issues if you try tooverclock a RAMstick from a different brand.
However, if you have no other choice but to use a RAM stick from a different brand, verify to keep the following points in mind to reduce the potential risk:
In addition to keeping the above points in mind, you should carefullytest your computer after installing a RAM stickfrom a different brand to ensure everything is stable and running smoothly.
Does It Matter Which RAM Slots You Use?
Whether or not it matters which slot you install your RAM depends on your motherboard and the number of RAM sticks you have. First and foremost, refer to the documentation for your particular motherboard as it will usually indicate which configuration is ideal and which slots in a dual configuration channel are the primary and secondary slot. In general, though, you can use the following placement tips.
If you have a single RAM stick and only one RAM slot on your motherboard, you can simply install it without worrying about it. If you have a single RAM stick and multiple RAM slots (let’s say four slots), you can be strategic in where you install it to eek out a little performance boost. If you install the stick in the farthest slot away from the CPU slot socket it’ll provide more clearance for the CPU cooler as well as better overall heat dissipation for the RAM as it’s not crowded against the CPU. The ultimate impact that has will be small, but hey, every bit helps.
If you have two RAM sticks and your motherboard supportsdual-channel memory, you should install the sticks in the 2nd and 4th slots or the 1st and 3rd slots. If you have three RAM sticks, leave one slot next to the CPU empty and install the sticks in the remaining three slots. If you have four slots and four sticks, you may install the sticks in any slots (again, deferring to the channel guidance provided by your motherboard manufacturer).
you’re able to get more information on which RAM slot you should use in our detailedguide on RAM slots.
How Much RAM Do You Need?
Choosing an accurate RAM capacity can be tricky whenbuilding a new PC. While the amount of RAM you need depends entirely on your usage, 16GB is a good starting point. While 8GB might have been the standard for years, even a computer uses primarily for web browsing, word processing, and so on, will benefit from a 16GB base level of RAM these days. Even when planning to do some basic image editing and video editing, 16GB of RAM will be sufficient for most scenarios.
A good rule of thumbwhen choosing RAMis to choose a capacity that slightly exceeds your needs without going overboard. While having more RAM won’t negatively impact your system performance, it’s like buying a seven-seater car when you’re only going to use two seats.
For example, if your computer uses 10 GB of RAM under extreme conditions, and you have 16 GB of RAM installed, upgrading to 32 GB of RAM won’t give you any additional benefits. In fact,upgrading RAMwould be a waste of money in this scenario. It’s more important toupgrade other important components, such as the GPU or graphics card.
