So I started noticing more and more pre-built PCs coming with 12GB of RAM (also laptops) and my old PC came with 3GB (2x 512mb + 1x 2GB). Those capacities are obviously not reached with the usual "use the same sticks (frequency, capacity, CL)" in mind (okay, the CL and frequency will most likely be the same, but not the capacity).
Is the capacity not important or should you always stick with "the exact same"?
It doesn't matter because the speed they run at it really doesn't matter for 90% of tasks
@Streetguru Then there's no reason to stick to the same capacities at all? Usually people recommend - when asked what the best upgrade for their RAM would be in terms of capacity - to just buy the same stick of RAM they already have and not to mix.
You can pretty much do whatever, usually it's best just to buy whatever the cheapest sticks are
Only time you need fast RAM is in an APU build
So the only thing that prevent me from using different sticks is that it would me bug so much, knowing they aren't equal (not really OCD but this stuff makes my brain itch).
Thanks for clearing that up!
Just take off the heatsinks and stickers, then it'll all look about the same
I wish that would work but I would already know they aren't the same. Fortunately that's not my problem, was just interested in the scenario.
well there is basicly more to the story then just "it doesnt matter"
Because in certain configurations it definitely can matter.
Next to that, its also not allways guarenteed that diffrent kits or sticks will work optimaly together.
If you get sticks with the same timings speeds and voltage, it basicly shouldnt be a problem.
If you install them the correct way.
To create a dual channel mode with diffrent capacities, you need to install the matched dimms on the same channel.
Wenn it comes to laptops, it also highly depends on what the max capacity is of the motherboard.
Ah, that image you posted makes much more sense. I don't know why but I was stuck thinking of a single 8GB and a single 4GB stick. Lower capacities never occured to me.
Edit: I was also under the impression that when upgrading one should only use same capacities (like, 2x 4GB -> another 2x 4GB, not 1x 4 GB, not 8GB, the exact same amount you already have).
check this site out, it will give you a better picture.
If you have a ram issue capacity is one more variable you can eliminate right off the bat if your sticks are matched.
Testing ram takes hours and hours of time linus did a video on testing his ram
It was a nightmare
I hate troubleshooting hardware in general. Is it the RAM, the PSU, the mobo, the CPU,...? But most likely less of a hassle if you have compatible spare-parts to exchange and check part by part.
But I just watched the video, I get what you mean.
ATM in the machine I have built I have some G.Skill OC ram and some samsung generic DDR3 that I pulled from another machine.
Minor video editing, games, streaming. None of it is really affected.