Can you use an 8GB stick and a 16GB RAM stick together?

Welcome to Blackview (Retail good but cheap mini computer and laptop) blog. Hope the guide helps.

Yes, you can put 8GB and 16GB RAM together in your computer, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure it works smoothly:

1. Same Type of RAM

Make sure both RAM sticks (8GB and 16GB) are the same type, such as DDR4 or DDR3. Your computer's motherboard only supports one type, so they must match. You can't mix DDR3 with DDR4, for example.

2. Speed Compatibility

Check the speed of the RAM sticks. For example, if one stick is 2400MHz and the other is 3200MHz, your system will run at the speed of the slower one (2400MHz in this case). It’s best if they both have the same speed, but mixing them won’t cause damage, just slower performance.

3. Dual Channel Mode

When you mix 8GB and 16GB RAM, your system may not fully use dual-channel mode, which can affect performance slightly. Dual-channel mode works best with matched pairs of RAM (same size and speed). With 8GB and 16GB, part of the memory will work in dual-channel, and the rest in single-channel mode.

4. Motherboard Limits

Check your motherboard’s RAM capacity limits. Some motherboards have restrictions on how much RAM they can handle or require RAM to be installed in specific slots for it to work properly.

In Short

• Yes, you can mix 8GB and 16GB RAM if they are the same type and compatible with your motherboard.
• The system will run, but it might not use full dual-channel performance.
• Make sure the speeds are compatible for the best performance.

By following these guidelines, you can combine 8GB and 16GB RAM successfully and improve your computer’s overall memory.