Can different memory speeds be mixed? - Find out here what to consider!
Upgrading your RAM is a simple way to improve your system’s performance. However, many customers wonder whether the new memory is compatible with the existing memory in the system. In particular, the speed of the new memory raises uncertainty. In this article, you will learn whether and why different speeds can be mixed.
Development of new memory technologies and increase in memory capacities by leading manufacturers
Major memory manufacturers like Samsung, Hynix, and Micron continuously develop new memory technologies and increase memory capacities. There are different types of DRAM for various applications in servers, printers, PCs, and notebooks, each offering advantages in their respective environments. With the introduction of new memory technologies, the quality of production also improves. The higher the quality of the memory, the higher the possible memory clock. Manufacturers guarantee the stability of memory modules up to a certain speed, which is indicated on the label. For example, in DDR4 memory, the standard speed in production has increased to 3200MHz, while the capacity for PCs and notebooks has risen from initially 16GB to 32GB. A faster memory with a higher capacity can significantly enhance electronic data processing.
Successfully combining different speeds
Motherboards, memory controllers, and CPUs can adjust the faster modules to the speed of the slower modules. This means that the speed of the faster modules is automatically reduced to match that of the slower modules. For example, if you mix a DDR4-2400MHz module with a DDR4-3200MHZ module, the RAM in dual-channel mode will revert to the lower speed of 2400 MHz. This ensures that all modules in the system work synchronously and compatibility is guaranteed. New memory allows for higher memory clock speeds but is still backward compatible and can operate at slower clock rates.
What to consider when choosing the right memory
However, you need to be cautious when selecting the right memory. There are many unusual solutions on the market that use server DRAM components for PC and notebook memory. These solutions are often cheap but problematic and can impair compatibility with existing memories. The memory that was installed in your system 2-3 years ago has long been replaced by newer, more powerful memories. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right memory for your system to ensure maximum performance and stability. You can find memory from PHS-memory® that contains older timings in the memory SPD to ensure compatibility with your system. The “Fallback Option” in the SPD of PHS-memory® memory allows DRAMs with higher clock speeds to be used together with older memory modules of lower clock frequency. We also check all potential “pitfalls” to ensure that the memory upgrade works successfully.