I recently bought a pre-built PC that came with 16GB of DDR4 RAM (2 x 8GB sticks). I also added 32GB of RAM (2 x 16GB sticks) to the setup. Both RAM sets are from Kingston, so I'm curious if I can install all the RAM for a total of 48GB. Will mixing these RAM sizes cause any performance problems? My motherboard is an ASUS PRIME B550M-A WIFI II, and I've read that it can handle different sizes as long as the latency is the same. I'm new to this, so I'd appreciate any advice on this topic!
4 Answers
When it comes to DDR4, you're usually better off with 32GB for gaming. Many folks find it more than enough, and going for 48GB might not give you that much extra benefit. You could always sell the extra 16GB if you find it's more than you need, but mixing them should work if you want the extra capacity.
Mixing different RAM sizes can be a bit complex with potential downsides like stability issues and downclocking, especially with a higher load on your memory controller. If you're planning on gaming, I’d recommend sticking to the 32GB. It’ll likely give you enough performance without the hassle of mixing. But hey, it might also work fine with the extra RAM; just be prepared for some possible quirks.
I used to run a mix of RAM sizes without any issues, and it really helped with tasks like streaming. Just ensure you set them in the right dual channels. Initially, the memory speed will default to the slowest stick, so keep that in mind and maybe run a memory test to check things out after installing.
You might as well give it a shot! Boot into your BIOS first, and make sure to disable any XMP profiles to start. If everything works, you can play around with settings later. Manually tweaking the voltage may help you achieve better stability with four sticks. Just keep an eye on performance tests afterward!
I’ve tried to sell it, but no luck! That’s why I want to utilize it instead.