I recently upgraded my RAM by adding two 16GB sticks alongside two existing 8GB sticks, all rated at 3200 MHz. However, now my system is running at a much slower speed of 2133 MHz. I've double-checked to ensure that all RAM sticks are of the same brand and speed, and they're in the correct slots. I did some research about mixing RAM and got mixed responses, but I generally found that it's possible. I'm currently on mobile, but I can provide my PC specs later. Can anyone shed some light on what's causing this slowdown?
3 Answers
Your older DDR4 3200 RAM might be running at JEDEC specs, typically CL22 with 1.2 volts, while most DDR4 3200 is XMP/DOCP, needing around 1.35 volts and running at CL16. Just being the same brand and speed doesn’t mean they will work perfectly together. It's not uncommon for mixed RAM chips from the same brand to behave differently due to production variations. You might need to manually tune the RAM for optimal performance.
Also, if you’re having issues using the new ram alone, it could suggest compatibility problems or potential defects in the sticks.
Mixing different RAM kits can be tricky. Besides matching the speed, you need to also consider the timings and voltage settings. If they don't match, your system defaults to the lowest speed, which is likely why you're seeing 2133 MHz. You might be able to manually tweak the settings in the BIOS to reach closer to your desired speed, but there's no guarantee it will work well with mixed kits.
If you're still having issues, just consider using the two 16GB sticks alone. Mixing different sizes can complicate things, especially with XMP profiles. To be honest, in my gaming experience, I have over 500 games, and none have used more than 26GB of RAM at max settings. In general, you likely won't need more than 16GB for most games right now.
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