People who multitask or use high-end games and software try to add more RAM to their systems to increase efficiency. But is adding RAM beneficial, or is it just a myth? Can I use 4GB and 8GB RAM together?
Mixing RAMs of different sizes is very common nowadays. When a person feels that the RAM in the operating system is not enough for his files or workload, he tries to install two RAMs, and most of the time, two-sized RAMs are used because of the unavailability of the same-sized RAMs or the urge to get maximum size.
Mixing different-sized RAMs like 4GB and 8 GB causes potential problems because it depends upon both RAMs' brand, frequency, latency, speed, and voltage. In this topic, we will discuss whether mixing RAM is possible, what things we should consider, and what its pros and cons are in detail.
Can I Use 4GB And 8GB RAM Together?
There is a myth that 4 GB and 8 GB RAM do not work together, but it is not true. The answer to this query is yes; you can use 4GB and 8GB RAM together but with utmost care. With motherboard availability and speed compatibility, you can easily install 4GB and 8GB RAM in your operating system. Buy both RAMs with the same speed by remembering how much speed your motherboard supports.
Note: The motherboard comes with two RAM slots, and you can mix two different-sized RAMs, but with some limitations; otherwise, you will face many issues like bad performance, instability, system booting issues, and BOSD.
Things To Consider Before Using 4GB And 8GB RAM
If you want to use 4GB and 8GB RAM together, then before doing this, you have to consider these points.
Voltage
Mixing RAM of different voltages will slow the performance of your operating system and ruin your ongoing work experience. The motherboard prefers RAM using less voltage due to its lower power consumption quality than RAM using high voltage and different sizes. So, buying the RAM whose voltage/power consumption value is similar to your system’s RAM is better.
Frequency
The difference in the frequency of the two RAMs causes performance drops, stability, and compatibility issues. The motherboard prefers the lower-frequency RAM and doesn’t allow the higher-frequency RAM to run in dual-channel mode. So it is recommended to use the same frequency RAM to work correctly.
Speed
Speed is another factor you have to consider while using different GB RAMs. The motherboard prefers RAM with low speed compared to high-speed RAM; thus, the latter will not get the full potential to work and provide an advantage to your work.
Latency
If you mix RAM modules with different capacities and latencies, your computer may experience certain unforeseen effects. Due to the differences in the modules’ requirements, the system may run into issues while attempting to divide duties among them. Performance difficulties and stability problems, such as freezes and crashes, may emerge from this, potentially resulting in data loss.
Disadvantages Of Using 4GB And 8GB RAM
As discussed earlier, 4GB and 8GB RAM are used together but have many issues and difficulties. Using two RAMs together is not a good idea and has many disadvantages. You thought that it would increase space in your computer and your pc performance would be better, but your thoughts are wrong. Let’s discuss some significant disadvantages in detail.
Blue Screen Of Death Error
BSOD is the most common error people face using two different GB RAMs.Two different-sized RAMs affect the memory controller latency, which in turn causes stress and RAM overheating. The heat produced causes the motherboard component to heat up and cause a Blue Screen Of Death Error.
Stability problem
Suppose you are using high-end software or increasing the workload on your computer system. The motherboard of your system splits the load between two same-sized RAMs to work properly and evenly. But if your computer has one 4GB RAM and a second 8GB RAM, then it is not possible for the motherboard to distribute workload and cause stability issues. In this case, buying both RAMs with either 4GB or 8GB storage will solve your space problem without causing any stability issues.
Performance issues
Motherboard enters into the flex mode when two-sized RAMs are used. Flex mode means that when you are using 8 GB RAM with 4 GB RAM, half of 8 GB RAM, which means 4GB RAM, works with 4 GB RAM in dual channel mode, and the rest of 4 GB RAM of 8 GB works in single channel mode and that cause a significant performance drop due to bandwidth issues. It causes lagging; the computer shuts down, and screen outs. So it is preferred to use the same-sized RAM on your motherboard; thus, your system will perform better.
Takeaway
Can I Use 4GB and 8GB RAM together? This query needs a proper answer which I have given in this article. In conclusion, I’d say you can use 4GB and 8GB RAM together if you need only space and can compromise on performance and stability.
Mixing RAM is necessary and beneficial for higher-end software and heavy workloads, but try to add the same RAM sticks, like 4GB + 4GB or 8GB + 8GB, keeping in mind the other specifications. Otherwise, different-sized RAMs cause stability and performance issues, so be careful about the instructions mentioned above to save your system from unusual crashes and performance drops.
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