Mismatched Memory Okay?

Crow

Cadet
Joined
Mar 23, 2023
Messages
8
Hi All,

This is random, but i have some mismatched memory here and was wondering if it would be worth adding to my system.
I have this kit currently installed:
  • Crucial 32GB Ballistix DDR4 3200 MHz UDIMM Gaming Desktop Memory Kit (2 x 16GB, Black)​

I have this kit currently sitting:
  • CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 (PC4 24000) Desktop Memory Model CMK16GX4M2B3000C15Rv

Would it be a good or a bad idea to install both kits and down-clock the memory?
I am running an AM4 2700 (regular no X - what a stupid naming scheme this is) on a b450 consumer motherboard.

Thanks
 

Ericloewe

Server Wrangler
Moderator
Joined
Feb 15, 2014
Messages
20,194
DDR4 3000? That's an odd speed.

Anyway, the answer is "it depends". Do you need more DRAM? If not, you may end up losing performance, though it's not a huge difference if it's down to 3000 MT/s. Now, since 3000 MT/s is rather non-standard, you're probably looking at lower speeds in practice.
You may also run into trouble if the memory init code is not prepared to run with your setup or if the DIMMs end up being incompatible (due to memory voodoo reasons I can barely begin to understand, much less explain).

Overall, unless you're really desperate for DRAM, probably just leave it on the shelf.
 
Last edited:

Crow

Cadet
Joined
Mar 23, 2023
Messages
8
DDR4 3000? That's an odd speed.

Anyway, the answer is "it depends". Do you need more DRAM? If not, you may end up losing performance, though it's not a huge difference if it's down to 3000 MT/s. Now, since 3000 MT/s is rather non-standard, you're probably looking at lower speeds in practice.
You may also run into trouble if the memory init code is not prepared to run with setup or if the DIMMs end up being incompatible (due to memory voodoo reasons I can barely begin to understand, much less explain).

Overall, unless you're really desperate for DRAM, probably just leave it on the shelf.
Hum, ... thanks. That makes sense. I wanted more RAM for virtual machines, but then again maybe its not worth the hassle. Maybe I should buy some used server hardware and separate out the Truenas box from the experimentation machines (the VMs).
 
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