I currently have a 32GB Corsair DDR5 kit and found another 32GB kit at a good price. The second kit is the RGB version, but it has the same advertised speed and specifications as my existing non-RGB kit. Can I install all four sticks together, or is mixing the two kits likely to cause problems?
3 Answers
The RGB difference itself doesn't matter, and the system may recognize all 64GB. The bigger issue is that four DDR5 modules put much more strain on the CPU's memory controller. Even with matching specifications, you may need to lower the memory speed or loosen the timings, especially on an AM5 system. A kit rated for 6000 MT/s might only be stable around 5200–5600 MT/s with four sticks, and results vary between individual CPUs and motherboards.
It can work, but be prepared to clear the memory settings and let the motherboard retrain. Start at the board's default speed, then test stability before enabling EXPO or XMP. If you want the best chance of running 64GB at the rated speed, replacing the current kit with a single 2x32GB kit is the safer option.
Four DDR5 sticks can sometimes run their advertised settings, but that is more the exception than something to count on. A slower stable configuration is usually better than chasing the original 6000 MT/s rating.
Check more than just the advertised speed. Compare the timings, voltage, part numbers, and preferably the memory chips used under the heat spreaders. Corsair can change the underlying ICs while keeping the same product name. Even if everything appears identical, the two kits were not tested together, so booting and stability are not guaranteed.
Some newer boards handle four modules better, but two separate two-stick kits are still not guaranteed to behave like one factory-tested four-stick kit. Intel platforms can also be a little more forgiving than AM5 in this regard.