Mixing RAM on EVGA x58 SLI

[jerdoggmckoy]

Hello, you can view my computer specs in my signature. I wanted to find out if anyone has any input on whether I can mix the following RAM sticks, and if so, what settings should be modified.

I used to have in my computer OCZ Gold 6GB (3 X 2 GB) DDR3 SDRAM 1600

• Timing = 8-8-8-24 and 1.65V

I just replaced that RAM with G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 12GB (3 X 4GB) DDR3 SDRAM 1600

• Timing 9-9-9-24 and 1.5V
• Placed in green triple channel slots

I have the following questions and thanks in advance for any help!

• 
  Can I go ahead and stick the 3 X 2GB OCZ sticks in the remaining three RAM slots I have?

• If so, would I set the timing for all RAM to the 9-9-9-24?

• Would I change the DIMM Voltage to 1.50V or 1.55V possibly?

• I didn't understand RAM enough when I purchased the new sticks. I thought higher timing numbers were better. Now that I know, am I losing much by going from the 6GB at 8-8-8-24 vs 12GB at 9-9-9-24?

• Does the additional 6GB of RAM make up for any timing loss?

• Finally, how can I verify that my triple channel DIMM slots are running the triple channel? I saw some post around some forum about a guy saying only dual channel was working for him because not enough voltage or something like that.

Thanks again!

 

[gregmacknass]

Yes you can stick the ram in the other channel's slots and it will work fine. You will want to manually adjust the timings to match each other. I would just change the Ripjaws timings to 8-8-8-24 to match the OCZ's, and maybe bump the voltage on them to say 1.55-1.6 and it should work just fine. I hope this helps.

 

[redduc900]

Sell off the OCZs and just stick w/ the G.Skills, especially if you plan on overclocking.

 

[jerdoggmckoy]

Awesome, thank you both for the info!

Anyone have any answers for these?

• Am I losing much by going from the 6GB at 8-8-8-24 1.65V to 12GB at 9-9-9-24 1.50V? Or does the additional 6GB of RAM make up for any timing loss?

• Finally, how can I verify that my triple channel DIMM slots are running the triple channel? I saw some post around some forum about a guy saying only dual channel was working for him because not enough voltage or something like that.
  
  Thanks again for all the help

 

[EarthDog]

You wont notice the timing loss outside of benchmarking regardless of the amount of ram.

CPUz memory tab shows what mode its in.