Hey everyone! I'm looking to upgrade my PC by adding more RAM and could use some advice. Currently, I'm using Crucial Ballistix (2x8GB), and I'm thinking about adding a RipJaws 5 Series Noir 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3600 MHz CL16 since Crucial Ballistix isn't available anymore. The specs look pretty similar, but the timings are a bit different—16-18-18-38 for the Crucial and 16-19-19-39 for the RipJaws. I know they're both DDR4-3600 and CL16, so they should theoretically be compatible, but I'm worried about potential performance drops. Should I just add the new RAM to the existing setup, or would it be better to remove the old sticks? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
It's usually best to stick with one type of RAM kit for guaranteed compatibility, as they've been tested together. You could use just the RipJaws 32GB kit, which is likely a safer move. If you run both, your system might boot fine, but you could have issues with the XMP/EXPO settings, and you'd probably need to manually set everything to the slower timings. I’d recommend going with the 32GB for now unless you have a specific need for more memory.
Yeah, running one kit is always safer, especially for stability!
Mixing RAM can work, but there's always a risk of stability issues. If you want smoother performance, it’s best to use just the new 2x16GB RipJaws kit. Stick to that for the best results!
They *might* work together fine, but not guaranteed at the full 3600 speed. It's worth a shot to test them together if you're okay with the hassle. Just keep in mind such stress tests can help, but if you’re tech-illiterate, you might want to keep it simple and just go with the new kit.
Thanks for the heads up! I’m leaning toward making it easy on myself with just the 32GB.
Replacing is usually the safest route. You might find that combining them might cause some complications trying to run at 3600MHz. Why not give the RipJaws a shot by themselves? You won’t be losing much, and it simplifies things!
I appreciate that advice! Sounds like replacing it is the way to go for peace of mind.
Before you decide, think about whether you really need 48GB. If not, selling the old 2x8GB sticks and just using the new 2x16GB should be perfect for most needs.
Good point! If it's a performance boost you care about, definitely stick with the new kit.