Question about RAM Compatibility

[dlh2109]

I have the opportunity to buy some used RAM at a decent price: G Skill RAM DDR3-2400 (2 x 4GB):

• DDR3 2400 (PC3 19200)
• Timing 11-13-13-31
• Cas Latency 11
• Voltage 1.65V

However, my current build has different RAM: Crucial Ballistic Tactical (2 x 8GB):

• DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
• Timing 8-8-8-24
• Cas Latency 8
• Voltage 1.5V

I'm tempted to add the G Skill RAM to my system (not replace) for a total of 24 GB of memory (versus the current 16 GB).

My question is this: Will these memory sticks play nice together?

I don't really understand the nuances of timings and latencies and how these impact a system. My default has always been to use only one type of RAM in a build-- but perhaps that's not necessary or is too conservative? Not sure.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.

PS - My motherboard is the GA-Z97X-UD5H.

 

[Going Bald]

Timimg and voltage differences mean these 2 sets of RAM will not "play nice together". Personally, I would stay with the RAM you have - faster timing, lower latency, lower voltage - less heat.
Might help if you followed the forum Rules and entered the rest of your hardware in your profile.

 

[dlh2109]

Thanks for the feedback/suggestion, Going Bald. Much appreciated.

I've updated my hardware profile. Thanks!

 

[RickSanchez]

I have a similar question, though it seems that only my timing is different. It seems to work fine with Windows 7 64-bit. Will this be a problem in El Capitan?

CHANNEL A:
CORSAIR XMS3 8GB CMX8GX3M1A1333C9
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
CAS Latency 9
Timing 9-9-9-24
Voltage 1.5V

CHANNEL B:
Patriot PSD38G16002H Signature 8GB
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
DDR3 1600MHz (PC3-12800)
CAS Latency 11
Timing ?
Voltage 1.5V

Picture of bios attached - looks like Channel B RAM adjusted downwards to match Channel A timing, however, the tRFC (Row Refresh Cycle Timing) values differ. I know these values deal with refresh cycles and can cause instability if set too high or low, but I do not know whether having variations between RAM modules is an issue?

Thanks.

 

[Adrian B]

You will just need to try it. RAM is really tied more to the motherboard than the OS. Having said that, you have two different brands of quite differnt specs -1333MHz v's 1600MHz. Cas Latency 9 v's CAS latency 11. The timings are generally similar in that they are both 99924, but there are other differences as you note.

If you have an issue that you suspect is RAM related then try removing a single stick of RAM to see if that gets you further during the installation process.