I'm currently using 32GB of RAM but it's not meeting my needs for local stable diffusion. I'm planning to upgrade to two 48GB sticks (96GB total) in the future. As a temporary solution, I'm considering mixing 16GB and 48GB RAM. Will this setup be stable? I'm not concerned about speed, just stability. Also, do the RAM sticks need to have the same CL timings?
4 Answers
It technically should work, but performance might suffer since it’s unlikely to run in dual channel mode. Just a heads up!
If you're not using XMP/Expo, mixing RAM sizes is generally stable at stock speeds. However, for overclocking, things could get tricky. Slower RAM will still be faster than swapping to a disk if you're running a lot of tasks concurrently, so think about your workload before deciding!
If you use RAM from different kits, expect everything to default to the slowest JEDEC clocks with less optimal CL timings. Performance may decline, and there's no guarantee it will remain stable without thorough testing. It's more of a risk.
Mixing different RAM sizes can lead to a mixed bag of experiences. Some users have no issues, while others report frequent crashes. If you're prioritizing stability, it's best to avoid mixing RAM. However, if you have to, make sure to run them at stock speeds and try to match them as closely as possible. Keep in mind that the manufacturer might change suppliers between production runs, so even the same model could have different chips.
Looks like I'll be waiting for RAM prices to drop before buying the 2x48 set!
This is solid advice! It really is all about the specific RAM, motherboard, and CPU. Sometimes the silicon lottery plays a role too.