adding a pair of RAM modules, which are different make than existing pair.

[Anteries]

hi, I've got some mushkin pc3 12800 ram installed, 2×2 GB modules 1.5 V. This make it rather hard to find in the UK and I was wondering is there any issues with installing a different brand and more particularly a different voltage.

Incidentally I'm running a i5 processor which is not unlocked, so even though my existing RAM is rated at 1600, the maximum I can get is 1333 speed.

Does it matter if my new RAM is only rated for 1333? or should I get the 1600 speed.

I hope I making sense, just wondered if there's anything I should know before upgrading, also I notice there is some rather cheap RAM without heatsinks, is that okay all rubbish. I've got no plans to overclocked the RAM.

Many thanks

[Thorsson]

Different voltage is no way. But 1.5V is the norm. As for different RAM, well it can be OK, but nothing is certain. The reason they sell them in matched pairs is that they are guaranteed to work together.

[graemeakerby]

I'd check that the motherboard supports dual or single channel memory. If it supports dual channel memory I would get a new set of dual channel memory but not use the unpaired stick. But as far as different brands I don't think it would make a difference to performance as long as they both have the same voltages. Try and match the speeds and latencies if you can. Corsair modules are great and not that expensive at all.

[Thorsson]

He has a Z68 motherboard, so the RAM should be Dual Channel, and he doesn't have an unpaired stick. It is true that you want to match speeds, because generally speaking you will have to run all of them at the speed of the slowest - at best - so no point in paying extra. But I'd probably get what I needed, and if the current RAM worked with them, well that's a bonus.

[Dingo]

If you want Muskin then Amazon is your friend
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&k...l_8z7olyn2o0_b

[TechOasis]

The cheaper ones with no heat sinks are fine, but the lifetime/10-year warranty tends to be on the slightly fancier ones with heat-sinks etc. I find most of the time 1600 is the same price or cheaper than the 1333 - so may as well go with 1600.

Cheap RAM gets a bad rep, but I find it fails no more frequently than the fancy stuff. Warranty = peace of mind always.