Hey everyone! I'm not very experienced with PC components, so I could use some advice. Right now, I have two 8GB Samsung RAM sticks (model M378A1K43EB2-CWE), but I'm considering upgrading my setup. I noticed that a game I play often uses around 15GB of RAM.
My current specs include an ASUS Pro B550M-C motherboard, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card. I believe I still have two RAM slots available on my motherboard. Do you think it's okay to add two more 8GB sticks for a total of 32GB of RAM, or should I be cautious about compatibility? Would it be better to just get a different configuration?
2 Answers
Yes, you can definitely do this! While it's recommended to match the exact model for the best performance, I noticed that your existing RAM is hard to find and a bit overpriced. So, if you decide to mix RAM, just ensure that the MHz and CAS latency (CL) are as close as possible to what you currently have. You can use CPU-Z to check your current RAM timings.
You can run 4 sticks of 8GB RAM, but there are a couple of things to consider. It's best if the timings and specs match across all sticks to avoid any issues. If you can find two more of the exact same model, that's ideal. Otherwise, aim for similar specs to minimize problems. Also, keep in mind that if you're looking for a more stable option, you might want to consider getting 2 sticks of 16GB instead.
I totally understand. I found my exact model at a local store, but it's quite pricey at €75 for just one 8GB stick. It's making me second-guess my choice!

I get that, but I've heard mixing different RAM can lead to issues. It sounds a bit risky to me. What if I mess it up?