Query regarding RAM mixing

[J_7]

Hi. I have a little query.

Let's say I have 8GB Samsung DDR4 RAM in my computer running at 2666MHz.

Could I add a Crucial 8GB DDR4 3200MHz stick of RAM while keeping the Samsung stick, and would it work fine? Or even a 16GB Crucial stick (still DDR4, 3200MHz)?

I have found varying answers online, so thought I'd ask here. I appreciate any help.

Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

You would have to post the full model number or product number of your PC in order for anyone to help you.

If there is currently a DDR4-2666 MHz memory chip installed and you install a DDR4-3200 memory chip, the 3200 MHz memory chip will automatically bridge to 2666 MHz.

[J_7]

Hi. I have updated the original post so the correct product is selected. Is that better now?

Thanks. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

According to the product specs for the product number you posted, there are two different model variations listed.

HP Pavilion 24-xa All-in-One Desktop PC (5KF22AV) - Specifications | HP® Support

They both have the same motherboard, and the motherboard specs indicate that 2 x 8 GB of DDR4-2400 memory is supported.

The parts list for one of them indicated that HP could have installed a DDR4-2400 memory chip or a DDR4-2666 MHz memory chip.

HP PartSurfer

If the PC has a DDR4-2666 MHz memory chip installed, it is running at 2400 MHz because that is as fast as the Ryzen 3xxx processor can run the memory at.

So, if you install a DDR4-3200 memory chip along with the DDR4-2666 MHz memory chip, they will both run at a max speed of 2400 Mhz.

[J_7]

> “the motherboard specs indicate that 2 x 8 GB of DDR4-2400 memory is supported.”

According to the Crucial comparability site, my computer supports 32GB of RAM across 2 slots. Crucial says 2x 16GB DDR4 SODIMM sticks (or less) would be compatible. 

It appears there’s a discrepancy here.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Normally, PC's with the Ryzen processors can support 2 x 16 GB of memory.

I only gave you the HP motherboard specs because I wanted you to see that the memory does not run at 2666 MHz.

You can run this command to confirm how much memory your PC can support:

1. In the search box, search for cmd and click Run as administrator.

This will open the command prompt.

2. After the command prompt is opened, type wmic memphysical get maxcapacityEx and press the enter key.

There, it will show the maximum RAM capacity your PC's motherboard can support.

The capacity is shown as Kilobytes, so you have to convert it to Gigabytes by dividing the number provided in the report by 1,048,576.

If the report indicates 33,xxx,xxx, then you should be able to install 2 x 16 GB of memory.

[J_7]

Hi, thanks for the further response. 

I did what you recommended with Command Prompt, and got a 33,xxx,xxx number which when divided by the number you stated gave exactly 32. Hence, I assume my device can support 32GB. 

Thanks for the explanation regarding the RAM speed too. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

Yes, you should be able to install 2 x 16 GB of DDR4-3200 in your PC, that will run at 2400 MHz.

[J_7]

Great. 

Just to be sure, it is fine keeping the Samsung 8GB 2666MHz stick and adding a Crucial 8GB or 16GB 3200MHz stick? I am now aware the 3200 would run at 2666, but is it ok that the sticks are different brands and possibly different capacities?

I assume Crucial checks the voltage of recommended RAM is compatible too?

Thanks again 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

The 16 GB Crucial memory should work fine with the DDR4-2666 memory, but once again, the memory can only run at 2400 MHz.