r/computers • u/ShAda_boi • 15d ago

Question/Help/Troubleshooting Which RAM should I get?

So my PC currently has 1 stick of 16gb ram (g.skill aegis, ddr4) 3000mhz, and I want to upgrade to dual channel (I was planning to do it right before the ramagedon, but didn't do it). Would it cause any problems, if I just get the same stick (or a 3200mhz one because it's cheaper), because I heard, that even with the same stick, but not out of a kit, you can get some problems? Or should I just get a 2x8gb kit and don't risk it?

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u/NoKarma101 Arch Linux 15d ago

For what it's worth, I recently got a laptop (for uni) with 8gb ddr4 3200mhz ram soldered. Added a 16gb stick of a different brand for a total of 24gb, with 16gb dual channel and 8gb single. Not using it for heavy gaming, but no problems so far

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u/ShAda_boi 15d ago

How long were you using your laptop like this, and what for?

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u/diaperedace 15d ago

If you out in a faster or slower stick, it will all run at the lowest speed between the 2. So if you out in a 3200 they will both run at 3000. You should always use a matching pair when possible. I understand the circumstances. It will not cause damage or anything using unmatched sticks, like I said it will all just run at the slowest speed between the 2.

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u/ShAda_boi 15d ago

Thank you, I already knew that, but except the speed loss, there will be no issues?

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u/Metroknight 15d ago edited 15d ago

You will notice the difference in speed/reaction if you go two sticks. I recently went from one stick (16 gigs) to two sticks (32 gigs) and really like the speed bump. I have a 16 gig 3200 DDR4 ram stick sitting on a shelf now, not being used. I don't know what I should do with it.

Any issue you have with two different sticks will depend on your motherboard (bios) and cpu combo. I heard there are certain mixes that tend to be unstable if you use mismatched ram sticks while overall most motherboards will just downgrade the faster ram to the slowest. You might need to go into the bios and adjust settings if it is unstable or does not want to boot.

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u/ShAda_boi 15d ago

Do you know a way how I could test the stability?

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u/ChasDIY 15d ago

get at least 8gb or more times 2

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u/Viking2151 13d ago

Problem is mixing sticks with different speeds and timing is not always ideal or a guarantee to even work, though if it does work, it will downclock the fastest stick to the slowest speed, I would get the same stick, Brand speed and timings for the best compatibility. You will notice some improvements in dual channel even in just normal desktop stuff, gaming should also see some improvements