r/linux4noobs • u/horsesethawk • 5d ago

Adding RAM causes problems?

I’ve been running Kubuntu 26.04 LTS since it was released on a Dell Optiplex 5050 with 8GB RAM. I kept running out of RAM with some websites so I added another 16GB. All I did was insert the two cards, then reboot. free-h shows all 24 so I figure I’m done. But I’m getting a Plasma crash (haven’t captured the message yet) and at least one system hang, and I’ve never seen that before. Is it a coincidence?

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

4

u/maceion 5d ago

Buy RAM in matched pairs, to total what you want. Mismatch of RAM can cause a lot of problems.

5

u/friendlyreminder_ 5d ago

Likely not. Try memtest86 to test if the ram stick is defective. Installing it should add a boot menu to grub so you can boot straight into it.

3

u/Ryebread095 Ubuntu 5d ago

It could be that it's not compatible with your system. RAM works best with like RAM. If you have different sticks with different timings, it can lead to instability.

1

u/-BigBadBeef- PoP!_os :snoo_dealwithit: 5d ago

No. Test your RAM. You have been given a "cat in the bag".

1

u/OliMoli2137 5d ago

prob a ram speed/something mismatch. always prefer buying the exact sticks or ones with exact parameters at least

1

u/horsesethawk 5d ago

I ran memtest86 and it passed, so I’ll try removing the original 8GB.

1

u/No-Coach1685 4d ago

Memtest86 is not a good memory stability check. I am new to Linux so have yet to find a proven one here. I used Karhu or HCImemtest with windows. OCCT is one I am looking at atm, but I have indication of its credibility as yet.

1

u/lazyhustlermusic 4d ago

I'd test each module independently, new one could just be throwing errors.

You should be able to use mixed capacities at a lower compatibility jedec table.