I have 6GB (3x2gb) of Corsair XMS2 1600 RAM atm. I am thinking of getting another 12GB (3x4gb). Would I be able to mix different ram modules (I have space for 6 modules in total) without too much problem? (probably go for Corsair XMS3 or vengeance)
Also, should I put the bigger modules in bays 1, 3 & 5 and the smaller in 2, 4 & 6 or will it not make any difference.
My MOBO is Gigabyte GA-X58A - UD3R with i7 930
Mixing memory modules often causes problems; even different sticks of the same memory that are not matched sets can cause issues. It's almost guaranteed that you will not be able to run the new RAM at its fastest (theoretical) settings and you may not be able to mix them at all.
Mixing memory is usually no problem at all, just make sure that each channel has the same make up. So in your case make sure each channel has one stick of 4gb and one stick of 2gb. When you fully populate dimms you might have to raise the timings a little, but with the XMS stuff you should be fine to run at the usual rated CAS.
It's a little more complicated if the different RAM takes different voltages - I'd try and get RAM that shares the same voltage for it's rated speed, but your motherboard can supply different voltages to different sticks if you need (I have the same one).
Thanks for your replies- I'm going to grab some more RAM and try to mix it - if it doesn't work then I guess I'll have to either play around til it does or take the smaller lot out for the time being. Definitely will ensure they are same voltage and speed and hope for the best.
Another questions, if I may: What is the main difference between Corsair XMS3 and Corsair Vengeance ? They have the same timings and speed. Is it just that the vengeance is more overclockable because of its heat spreaders?
Heat Spreaders actually make very little difference. Speed & CAS are the main drivers. Even then memory performance only has a noticeable effect on certain memory intensive tasks. 12Gb is probably going to be enough for you anyway. Kalniel's experience is obviously different to mine; some chipsets are more tolerant than others. Best to test and see what happens.
So the XMS 3 is 1600 9-9-9-24 which is exactly the same as the vengeance. So I won't see any difference between the two? The only thing the vengeance appears to have is XMP (which, afaik, is like stored automatic efficient timings).
Tried to upgrade the ECM memory in a server a few months back, managed to find the exact memory from the mobrd manual, but could not get it it to recognise memory at all? Just red lights on board, very frustrating. Hope you have better luck.
They'll be based on different underlying memory chips and so have different performance characteristics. XM3 is older stuff, but it'll still have XMP even if not advertised as having it. Vengence is newer stuff, possibly requiring less voltage for the same performance. What are the voltages for the two different sets?Originally Posted by Spidey1978
According to Scan they are both 1.5v
I assume that the vengeance is a little better as it is a little more expensive, but presumably I won't see that much of a difference in real world?
RAM prices are not really governed by what is better, it's more supply/demand. You won't see any difference at the same CAS and frequency. When pushing them to their limits you might see differences. If you've currently got XMS3 then I'd stick with the same again all other things being equal.
Thanks. Think that is almost certainly what I am going to do. Thanks to all for there help.
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