Memory compatibility question

[bigboy_]

Hello,

At the moment I have the 6GB version (3x2GB) of the Corsair XMS3 Classic 12GB 1600 Mhz memory .

I would like to know if I add these slightly different version memories next to them to get a total of 12GB... would they work correctly?

Thank you.

 

[mhenley]

The biggest difference I see is that one is rated for 1.6v and the other is 1.65v, stats look the same everywhere else. I would imagine that it would work, but I'm also imagining that the 1.6v will run at 1.65 at nominal speeds and therefore decerease the life of the product.

General rule of thumb is to try and match exactly when you're adding, or plan to replace everything if you can't.

 

[bigboy_]

Yeah the V does differ. It is annoying that I can`t buy the exact same memories I bought before. Could anyone else tell me more about any issue that might occur because of the V difference?

 

[mhenley]

Well, if you end up undervolting the 1.65 to 1.6 and stress tests come back clean, there should be no negative effects whatsoever. However, if you have to run the 1.6 at 1.65 everything from an increase in heat, possible system instability, and decrease life of product are to be expected. If I were you and could not find a perfect match and didn't want a full replacement, I would give it a shot but make sure that return is an option.

 

[iconiK]

However, if you have to run the 1.6 at 1.65 everything from an increase in heat, possible system instability, and decrease life of product are to be expected.

Increase in heat output... you do realize DIMMs only draw like 1-3W a piece? And that DDR3 is rated at 1.975V before damage occurs, by JEDEC specs? Also, that's a 50mV difference... it won't matter if you run it at 1.6V or 1.65V.