Mixing RAM modules

I have four slots, two are filled with 8Gb DDR3 800Mhz modules, two are empty.

Can I put two 4Gb PC3-12800 in the other two slots please?

If I can is it important what slots which goes in?

I think quantity is more important than speed for my image processing.

Will I have a problem if I simply try it?

Thank you.

Conversation 5 comments

  • brianwall

    22 January, 2021 - 1:49 pm

    <p>Sorry – Mobo is Asrock Z87M extreme4 Haswell with i7 4790k cpu</p><p><br></p>

  • wunderbar

    Premium Member
    22 January, 2021 - 1:55 pm

    <p>It *should* work, but they'll run at the slower common speed.</p><p><br></p><p>You won't blow anything up if you try it, at worst the PC won't boot and you can take the ram out.</p>

  • codymesh

    22 January, 2021 - 5:38 pm

    <p>should be fine</p><p><br></p><p>I mean, the worst case scenario is that your computer beeps and doesn't turn on. That's it.</p>

  • Greg Green

    24 January, 2021 - 9:47 am

    <p>The manual says For dual channel configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pairs.</p><p><br></p><p>That sounds like you’ll lose dual channel. That’s worth 5 to 10% memory speed.</p>

  • angusmatheson

    24 January, 2021 - 12:08 pm

    <p>I have mixed modules and never had a problem booting the PC, but I hear that can happen. The biggest problem is that they all run at the speed of the slowest RAM. I always use old crappy salvaged stuff, but I hear that sometimes if the new RAM is a lot faster it is better to just put in the new stuff. Good luck! It is always fun messing with you PC.</p>

Windows Intelligence In Your Inbox

Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Thurrott © 2024 Thurrott LLC