Is installing another RAM from a different brand problematic?

[dotw]

My motherboard only support DDR3 RAM and I only have one DDR3 4GB RAM. I previously had two sticks of the same model but one had gone bad now I am willing to buy another one but because of the RAM model being very old, there is no more sticks of the same model available on the market (new or used). So am I fine pairing the existing stick of RAM with another DDR3 4GB of the same Bus speed? or will I be better off without?

[chrispop99]

If the motherboard supports dual channel mode (most do) then having both RAM modules identical is needed to support this. Dual channel mode will give a very small improvement in RAM read speeds. The two sticks do not need to be from the same maker, but should have identical specifications in respect of timing.
In the real world, the user is not going to notice any difference if there is a mis-match that inhibits dual-channel mode.
If your motherboard has four RAM slots, check in the manual which slots you should use for two modules; 1 + 3, or 2 + 4 for example, as that makes a small difference.

Chris

[CharlesV]

In my experience, I have had some machines that using the same spec ram from two different manufacturers was a problem, and I have had some that it worked perfect. Since ram is rather inexpensive, I would suggest buying twin chips from the same mfg.

[DukeComposed]

[font=]

In my experience, I have had some machines that using the same spec ram from two different manufacturers was a problem, and I have had some that it worked perfect. Since ram is rather inexpensive, I would suggest buying twin chips from the same mfg.

I got into the habit of buying RAM in pairs back in the era when 80 MB was considered "a lot". It can be much harder to maintain when you have a large number of nearly identical machines that fail over time and you begin scavenging parts from one machine to improve another, but the basic principle remains. It's hard to damage RAM by putting it in a machine where it fits and testing it. I'm sure someone, somewhere will claim you can break a stick of RAM by looking at it the wrong way, but I've had plenty of situations where I've mixed and matched RAM from different machines into one just to see if it would work.

If you leave the system on and running Memtest86 or similar over the weekend, you'll know if you've lucked into a working configuration.

[CharlesV]

[font=]

In my experience, I have had some machines that using the same spec ram from two different manufacturers was a problem, and I have had some that it worked perfect. Since ram is rather inexpensive, I would suggest buying twin chips from the same mfg.

I got into the habit of buying RAM in pairs back in the era when 80 MB was considered "a lot". It can be much harder to maintain when you have a large number of nearly identical machines that fail over time and you begin scavenging parts from one machine to improve another, but the basic principle remains. It's hard to damage RAM by putting it in a machine where it fits and testing it. I'm sure someone, somewhere will claim you can break a stick of RAM by looking at it the wrong way, but I've had plenty of situations where I've mixed and matched RAM from different machines into one just to see if it would work.

If you leave the system on and running Memtet86 or similar over the weekend, you'll know if you've lucked into a working configuration.

I have also had this same experience. And, I have used mis-matched mfg ram in many machines and had it work well too. However, I have resolved MANY problem machines by replacing mis-matched ram with twins. In my opinion, it is not as bad as it used to be, however it can cause issues for some machines and if the ram is not too expensive, why take the chance.

[Resume]

asif at the Mint forums https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic. ... cafeb734df posted this question :

My motherboard only support DDR3 RAM and I only have one DDR3 4GB RAM. I previously had two sticks of the same model but one had gone bad now I am willing to buy another one but because of the RAM model being very old, there is no more sticks of the same model available on the market (new or used). So am I fine pairing the existing stick of RAM with another DDR3 4GB of the same Bus speed? or will I be better off without?

There are some pretty good answers there too.

[m_pav]

I'm in the same position with my ManCave machine. Had 2 sets of 4GB modules for 16GB total, but 1 set went bad so I'm down to 8 GB which is not going to be sufficient to run VMs, my security cams and a regular desktop system with SMB sharing.

I'm just waiting to get some spare $$ to get 2x new 8GB DDR3 modules from my supplier.

Aside from what's already been said re: timings, that is vital for stability, one thing that helps with differing RAM sticks is the brand and type of chips used, the 1R vs the 2R spec and the manufacturer.

Try to avoid mixing 1R with 2R modules. The 4 stands for rows

[davidy]

Also as long as it's ddr3 even if you get a faster than capable set of sticks they will simply run at the mobo timings, IE slower than they are rated but fine for the board.

[MXNewFan]

Really good article about memory here: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/myths-mis ... about-ram/
Having seen 6GB RAM in someone's system info, it's bugged me. Article explains what can be used, what happens and what's best.

[operadude]

Try to avoid mixing 1R with 2R modules. The 4 stands for rows

Thank You for the Tip

Perhaps a typo?
"The 4 stands for rows"

Here's my Cutesy Analysis:
You flew too high (oblique Icarus reference):
The "4" is above the "R" on the QWERTY keyboard.

Again, thanks for the tip about mixing RAM modules, since I am always cannibalizing components from old hardware.

So, Good to Know, and Thanks!