mixing memory

[kujoe2002]

Currently I have :

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB

I am installing a new mobo and wanted to upgrade my RAM. Can I mix? I wanted to use the current 4GB sticks and add this:

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB

The first one is 2x4GB sticks and the second is 1x8GB stick. The specs are as follows:

Speed DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
Cas Latency 9
Timing 9-9-9-24
Voltage 1.5V – 1.65V

and

Speed DDR3 1333
Cas Latency 9
Timing 9-9-9-24
Voltage 1.5V

If not I'll just spend the 80 bucks for the 16GB

[Steve R Jones]

Are you maxing out the current 8 gigs?
I have 8 gigs ad have never used more that half of it?

[kujoe2002]

multitasking I am.

[Vindir]

Go for cheapest option you have enough slots open for.

[kujoe2002]

the question still remains - can I mix the two different sticks together?

[Steve R Jones]

Probably... And not that it'll make a ton of difference, but having three sticks instead of 4 might kill your dual channel.

[kujoe2002]

Probably... And not that it'll make a ton of difference, but having three sticks instead of 4 might kill your dual channel.

how so?

[Steve R Jones]

Single channel -> one stick
Dual Channel -> two sticks

[James]

To keep dual channel you must keep installing in pairs.

[kujoe2002]

will there be a significant reduction in speed/power? From my little understanding, games utilize single channel power and multitasking runs dual channel.

[Steve R Jones]

will there be a significant reduction in speed -> no