Can i combine different brands of ram?

[Eric4753]

Really dumb question here, it's the same size 4gb and 1600mhz. I was wanting to up my ram by another 8 and I have a different brand in my pc right now.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[johnb35]

Same voltage and timings? Is this a custom built machine or store bought?

 

[Eric4753]

Here are the links for the two different sets of ram. Its a custom built pc, the specs are in my signature.
Link 1 (This is the one I already have)
Link 2 (The one in question)

 

[johnb35]

The 2 you linked are different speeds and the first is desktop ram while the second is for laptops. So they definitely won't work together.

 

[Eric4753]

How bout this link

 

[johnb35]

They are still different speeds and timings. Why don't you just buy another set of your existing ram?

 

[Eric4753]

because that would make perfect sense lol good point

 

[Cromewell]

Hah.

Just for reference, you do not have to match brand, speed, timings, voltages, etc. But if you don't, you will need to run at the worst setting of the 2 sticks.
You do need to match type. i.e. no laptop RAM with desktop RAM.

Also, mixing will not break dual/triple/quad channel. Mixing size creates some wrinkles though.

 

[johnb35]

Just for reference, you do not have to match brand, speed, timings, voltages, etc.

Some boards can be picky about mixed ram.

 

[beers]

Just for reference, you do not have to match brand, speed, timings, voltages, etc.

I dunno, some sticks can run just fine on timings/voltages that other's wont. You'll always have iffy compatibility considerations if you try to do crap like mix high voltage parts with lower voltage ones even with similar frequency.

 

[The VCR King]

I would get the same type of ram. My gaming PC was low on ram so I bought an extra stick of a different brand and it caused my PC to throw all sorts of fits. Internet browser issues, crashes, running slower. I took out the new RAM and she ran fine again. It was a PNY stick and I tried mixing it with my Corsair Vengenace.