After dealing with random PC crashes for about two months, I think I finally found the cause: one of my two DDR5 memory sticks appears to have failed. The bad news is that replacement RAM is expensive, but the good news is that I may only need to replace one 16 GB stick. I understand the basics of mixing RAM, MT/s ratings, DDR generations, and CAS latency, but I'm not sure which exact specifications need to match. What should I look for when buying a replacement 16 GB DDR5 stick, and how likely is it to run reliably alongside my existing one?
3 Answers
You could also try cleaning the memory slot with compressed air and gently cleaning the contacts on the suspected bad stick with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth. If the issue is just a poor connection or debris, that might bring it back, although a genuinely failed module will still need replacement.
Before buying anything, check whether the memory is still covered by its warranty. Many reputable RAM manufacturers offer lifetime warranties, even if the original retailer warranty has expired.
A replacement DDR5 stick with the same capacity, speed, CAS latency, and primary and secondary timings is the best match. Based on the information shown, another 16 GB DDR5-6000 module around CL36 is probably the closest fit. Even with matching specifications, mixing separate kits is not guaranteed to be stable, so you may need to lower the memory speed or adjust settings if problems continue.
Unfortunately, this kit is already outside its warranty period.