Question On Mixing Memory With Same Speed And Latency, But Different Makers.

I'm wondering if it's safe to mix memory that has the same speed, latency, and voltage requirements, but is made by different manufacturers.

 

Is it "safe"? Yes. Will it work? Maybe, maybe not. In theory it should. But minor, unavoidable differences in adherence to specifications can result in incompatibility issues. The newer the RAM the better because manufacturing techniques and the purity of raw materials continue to improve over time. And the newer the platform (motherboard & CPU) the better because memory management techniques are better at making slightly dissimilar RAM play well together.

Regardless, there is no reason it would be unsafe to give it a try.

 

When using different types of memory what's more important when using a mb with 4 slots and dual channel, speed, latency, of size ram (even if it is the same manufacturer)?

 

I just wondering as I have G.Skill 16gb (2 X 8gb ) 2400MHz CAS-11 memory and G.Skill 8gb ( 2 X 4gb ) 2400MHz CAS-10 memory which I'm considering putting them in my Gigabyte Z97X gaming 5 motherboard that has 4 memory slots, but will they play nice together?

 

It is always best to verify RAM compatibility by checking the QVL (qualified vendors list) on the motherboard's website. There are too many makers and model numbers for board makers to test them all so you don't have to buy listed RAM. But you should buy RAM with the same specs as listed RAM. If listed, they should work fine together.

The only way to find out if they will is to try them and see.

 

Important in what way?

If you want to get the most performance out of your memory, more gigabytes is the biggest factor. Close after that is running in dual channel, and most motherboards wants your memory in identical pairs to do that. After that comes memory bandwidth ( = speed), and then latency. honestly, after the number gigabytes and putting them in dual channel, you're not going to see a big difference in performance.

As for the questions in your next post, yes. They should work just fine together. They may not run in dual channel, but if they run fast enough for what you need, that doesn't matter.

 

This is the only real issue you might have.
With my ASRock motherboard, the memory modules must be identical for dual channel configuration - same brand, speed, size and chip-type.

 

As said- they may not run in dual channel
Also , the Cas differences are small- (Cas 10,and Cas 11)- should not affect latency

 

CAS differences won't matter once they're installed though. The motherboard should auto set them both to 11. And agreed, no visible impact to performance.

 

Agreed. More RAM trumps faster RAM every time.

 

My thread here was to see if I could help a friend of mine who has 8gb (2x4gb) and with your input I figured it was worth a try to add another 8gb (2X4gb) ram since he had a total of 4 memory slots. I seems to be working good for him so thanks.

I have a Gigabyte Z97X 1150 MB and presently have DDR3 16gb (2X4gb) G.Skill RipJaws X F3-2400C11D-16GXM ram and I want to get another 16gb ram so I have 32gb memory, but it's difficult getting the same Brand and model memory in 2400MHz.
I did find some DDR3 16gb (2X4gb) G.Skill Ares f3-2400c11d-16gab with the same speed and timings. I figure since they're the same brand, speed, and timings they should play nice together. What are your thoughts on this.

I'm wondering if there's any real significance to the GXM of the Ripjaws X and the GAB of the Ares ram from G.Skill since they're the same in all other respects?

 

Please clarify what you have. You said you "presently have DDR3 16gb (2X4gb)".

2 x 4GB = 8GB.

If you meant 2 x 8GB for 16GB, it is highly unlikely you will notice any performance gains going to 32GB.

Note if you run the Crucial Memory Advisor and buy suggested RAM from them, they guarantee it will work. There is the G.SKILL RAM Configurator but I don't know about their guarantee.

If you are not running your OS and main programs from a SSD, I personally would recommend upgrading to a SSD. 16GB is still gobs of RAM. If you need more "virtual" memory for what you do, using an SSD to house your page file will do the trick.

 

I'm sorry I meant 16gb (2X8gb) sticks.

 

Thanks for clarifying.