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    Can I mix these RAM sticks (different brands)?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by laptopnoob678, Jul 21, 2017.

  1. laptopnoob678

    laptopnoob678 Notebook Consultant

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    SK Hynix 8GB DDR3 2RX8 PC3L-12800S (11-12-F3)

    Kingston 8GB 2Rx8 PC3L - 12800S-11-12-F3

    I should be good to mix these right? Just posting as I'm not exactly sure what 11-12-F3 means (other than the first 11) but they do match, so I would think it's OK

    Thanks
     
    laptopnoob678, Jul 21, 2017
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  2. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You can but if either one stick is slow it will affect overall system performance. Can you insert it and check detailed specs of RAM in HWINFO if they use similar DRAM chips then I see no problem.
     
    Vasudev, Jul 21, 2017
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  3. laptopnoob678

    laptopnoob678 Notebook Consultant

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    laptopnoob678, Jul 21, 2017
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  4. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Buy another one which guarantees max speed in dual channel mode.
     
    Vasudev, Jul 22, 2017
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  5. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

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    It is OK. Even if there's small difference in timing, you won't notice it at all in real world. It is generally OK to mix non-OC RAM of different brands as long as they have matching frequency and voltage.
     
    Starlight5, Jul 22, 2017
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  6. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Theoretically it should be no problem. In the real world; ymmv.

    I would buy 4 identical SoDimms and sell off what you have now (after testing the new RAM, of course, for at least 48Hrs or more).

    While different RAM modules can seem to work; I've seen many little glitches and quirks on many different platforms disappear once the RAM was replaced with identical DRAM. Identical meaning not just same manufacturer and 'specs' - but actual kits as needed (either 2x, 3x or 4x 'XX'GB per stick).

    If your usage is more casual and/or you don't expect your system to run as stable as it can; give these a try. Note that this isn't to say that for your specific system and actual brands/spec's you're matching/pairing that you may not have any noticeable problems at all...

    If this is a system that makes you $$$$ though; investing the small time $$ and effort to buy the appropriate kit is well worth it in the long run.

    (To me; if I even lose a single day of work to the above; the convenience of throwing in what I could find is greatly offset by the loss of productivity by doing it 'right' in the first place).

     
    tilleroftheearth, Jul 22, 2017
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  7. laptopnoob678

    laptopnoob678 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the replies

    I ended up getting 2 sticks of eBay

    Kingston 8GB PC3L-12800s (11-12-F3)
    Kingston 8GB PC3L-12800s (11-13-F3)

    Both are compatible and work fine together :)

    Came to about £30 after selling my old 2x4GB sticks.
     
    laptopnoob678, Jul 28, 2017
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