Can I Mix an 8GB and 16GB RAM Both Are DDR4 2666MHz Together in a Laptop?
Yes, in many cases, you can mix an 8GB and a 16GB RAM module both DDR4 2666MHz together in a laptop, and they should work. However, there are a few important points to consider before making this decision.
Compatibility
The first and most crucial factor is your laptop's motherboard compatibility. Ensure that:
The motherboard supports a total of 24GB RAM. Both RAM sticks are compatible with the existing configuration.Most modern laptops can handle different RAM sizes, but it's always a good idea to consult your manufacturer’s documentation or support page.
Dual-Channel Performance
Mixing RAM sizes might impact dual-channel performance. Generally, the system will run in dual-channel mode for the first 16GB, drawing from the 8GB RAM stick of each module. The remaining 8GB will operate in single-channel mode. This change can result in a slight performance decrease compared to having identical RAM sticks.
Timings and Voltage
Despite both RAM modules being DDR4 2666MHz, they may have different timings or voltage settings. In such a case, the system will run at the slower module's specifications. This could affect overall system performance and efficiency.
Stability
In most scenarios, this mixed configuration should be stable. However, if you experience any issues, it is advisable to run memory diagnostics and check for any compatibility problems.
Overall, mixing RAM sizes can be a practical solution for increasing your laptop’s memory capacity, especially if you need to balance cost and performance.
Real-Life Experience
Hello, I'm a YouTuber with 211 subscribers on my channel. If you want to utilize both RAM modules—8GB and 16GB in a laptop—yes, you can, and you'll get a total of 24GB. I've made several gaming videos on my channel, and one of them involves upgrading my laptop's RAM. I went from 8GB to 12GB by adding a 4GB stick. It's a straightforward and easy process for both PCs and laptops.
If you have a single 8GB DDR4-3200 RAM, it will operate at 800MHz. However, if you add another 16GB stick, the dual-channel mode won't be activated, and performance may suffer.
If your laptop doesn't support adding RAM easily, you may need to access the back of your device, remove the screws, and carefully remove the existing RAM. Once you have removed the old RAM, insert the new RAM stick, ensuring everything is securely in place. If you follow these steps, you should be good to go.
Here are a few steps to follow:
Open the back of your laptop or PC. Remove the screws securing the case or back cover. Locate the RAM slots and carefully remove the existing RAM module. Insert the new 16GB RAM module into the appropriate slot, ensuring it is properly positioned. Re-attach the screws and close the laptop or PC back to its original state.I hope this works for you, and I highly recommend checking out my channel for some entertainment and more gaming repair videos.