When buying new memory, if the old one is not broken, many people will definitely wonder if it can be mixed with the new one? In particular, DDR4 and DDR5 are the most common memory types of different generations. Basically, if they are of the same generation, they can be mixed and matched, for example: they are both DDR4, but different generations cannot. However, even if you can mix and match, it is strongly recommended not to do so, because there are many disadvantages, which I will explain to you below.
Can memory be mixed and matched?
Of course, different generations are not possible. On the one hand, the voltage is different, and on the other hand, the slots are also different. In other words, DDR5 memory cannot be inserted into the DDR4 slot.
There is no problem if they are of the same generation, even if the specifications are different, for example: both memories are DDR5, but have different clock speeds, or even different brands.
But if you do this, you will lose a lot.
1. Memory will run at a slower speed
Just like the CPU, the higher the clock speed of the memory, the faster it is. The unit is MHz.
There’s also memory latency, which is the time it takes for the memory module’s controller to begin accessing and writing data.
And if you mix memories, the clock speed and latency of the faster memory will be reduced to match that of the slower memory.
Like 3000MHz and 3600MHz, the computer will run at 3000MHz and will not be able to obtain the memory speed of 3600MHz.
2. Performance will deteriorate
If the memory capacities used are different, full performance cannot be obtained.
For example, if you mix 8GB RAM and 4GB RAM, after turning on dual-channel mode, the computer will match 4GB RAM with another 4GB RAM to form 8GB dual-channel memory.
The additional 4GB will become a single-channel operation, which will not fully obtain the performance of 12GB memory, and may be slower than the performance of installing the same capacity of memory.
3. The system may become unstable
Compared with installing the same memory, mixing them is more likely to cause the system to crash, crash, or in serious cases cause hardware damage.
Of course, this is a matter of luck, which does not mean that mixing will definitely happen.
Many memory brands also recommend that when installing memory, it is best to choose the same brand, speed, and latency. This will have the best compatibility and users can use it with confidence.
Summarize
From the above, it is obvious that it is best not to mix and match memories, and try to use the same brand. Mixing and matching will make people feel uneasy when using them. At the least, they may encounter system instability, and at worst, one day a certain computer hardware may break. There is no need to save this little money, and use it at risk.
As for how much memory is enough? As far as 2024 is concerned, it will be at least 8GB, and even better, 16GB, which can meet the vast majority of usage needs. We have also written an article before.Memory upgrade, how much RAM does your computer really need? ” article, those who want to know more can read this article.
In addition, some people may wonder whether the clock speed of memory has a big impact on the game. You can watch this video from Hardware Unboxed, which contains detailed measurements of different memory speeds and the performance differences in games, both for Intel and AMD processors:
Source: KOCPC Chinese