Mixing RAMs in odd configurations

[El Metronome]

Is there any difference between those RAMs marketed as a kit, as compared to using individual sticks of RAM? Say, between a 2x4GB kit, and 2 sticks of 4GB. Or if the 2 or 4 sticks of individual RAM are of different brands/speeds?

Also, is there any drawbacks of using configurations with different capacities, like 2x4GB and 2x8GB, in a 4/8/4/8 config? Or even 3 sticks of RAM (2x4GB + 8GB)?

TIA.

 

[commach]

Preferable, not must have.

The small differences in bandwidth is not worth the concern in most cases.

 

[fleas1]

I reckon you will lose some performance compared to rams in dual/quad configuration

but it should run fine.

 

[Piezoq]

Is there any difference between those RAMs marketed as a kit, as compared to using individual sticks of RAM? Say, between a 2x4GB kit, and 2 sticks of 4GB. Or if the 2 or 4 sticks of individual RAM are of different brands/speeds?

Also, is there any drawbacks of using configurations with different capacities, like 2x4GB and 2x8GB, in a 4/8/4/8 config? Or even 3 sticks of RAM (2x4GB + 8GB)?

TIA.

Different brand/specs ram: You see this in laptops offered with free RAM upgrades. The mentality seems to be, whatever shows up on BIOS is acceptable. That's the reason why I don't buy laptops with such offers unless it's direct sale (Dell, HP, Apple).

I've encountered instability issues with at least two systems running mismatched ram. No errors show up with memtest, prime95 etc but there were random restarts, file system errors and some freezing. Granted I cannot definitively prove it was the mismatch at fault but my reasoning is, the extra bit of $ spent on a set of RAM is cheap compared to the frustration trying to figure out a hardware issue.

The consideration may be different for those looking to buy a machine for casual usage/entertainment.

 

[kandinsky]

Is there any difference between those RAMs marketed as a kit, as compared to using individual sticks of RAM? Say, between a 2x4GB kit, and 2 sticks of 4GB.

I've been looking into this question too. Cos getting two 2x8GB kits seems to work out cheaper than getting a 4x8GB kit in most cases, at least the ones I was looking it.

From what I can gather so far, some believe that getting a kit means you are guaranteed the advertised specs cos they are all factory matched to work well together.

E.g.

All Ripjaws 4 memory kits are tested with G.SKILL’s extensive suite of testing software to ensure maximum performance and stability.

Others think it's just marketing BS and that it makes no tangible real-world difference to most users.

Interesting discussion here: computers - Does using a matched pair of memory sticks provide any benefit? - Skeptics Stack Exchange

 

[clearsky7]

Just a little extension on the topic.
Which is better, 1x8gb@1600mhz or 2x4gb@1333mhz?
I have the rams, just wondering which to ditch or keep.
Does 8+4 make much sense? I only got 2 slots(laptop), if not I would have just shove everything in.

 

[shadow84]

Just a little extension on the topic.
Which is better, 1x8gb@1600mhz or 2x4gb@1333mhz?
I have the rams, just wondering which to ditch or keep.
Does 8+4 make much sense? I only got 2 slots(laptop), if not I would have just shove everything in.

Since its for laptop, then 1x 8gb in case u need to add in another 4/8gb stick.