[DRAM Basic] Can I mix different brands or frequencies of RAM?

It is strongly not recommended to mix RAM modules of different brands, models, frequencies, or timings.

While your computer might sometimes boot up with mixed RAM, it commonly leads to the following issues:

• Operation at Lowest Common Denominator: All RAM modules will operate at the lowest frequency and highest timing among the installed sticks. This wastes the money you spent on higher-frequency memory, as it won't be able to perform at its full potential.
• System Instability: This is the most prevalent and frustrating issue. You may experience frequent system crashes, Blue Screens of Death (BSODs), application freezes, or game crashes. Minor differences in internal chips or voltage requirements between different memory modules can lead to compatibility problems.
• Failure to Boot: In the worst-case scenario, your system might not even start up.
• Channel Mode Invalidation: Mixing incompatible modules can prevent the memory controller from properly recognizing and enabling dual-channel or quad-channel modes, further limiting memory bandwidth and overall performance.

To ensure optimal stability and performance, it is always recommended to purchase matching RAM kits of the same brand, model, frequency, and timings. Memory kits are tested together to guarantee the best compatibility and cooperative performance.