Can you put a 16GB stick and a 4GB stick together?
Yes, you can use 16GB and 4GB RAM stick together in your computer, but there are a few important things to consider:
1. Compatibility:
- Same DDR Type: Ensure both RAM sticks are the same DDR type (e.g., DDR4 or DDR3). Mixing different types won't work.
- Same Frequency (Speed): Both RAM modules should have the same speed (e.g., 2400 MHz and 2400 MHz or 3200 MHz and 3200 MHz) for optimal performance. If they have different speeds, the system will run at the speed of the slower module.
2. Dual Channel vs. Single Channel:
When using two RAM sticks of different sizes (e.g., 16GB and 4GB), they will not run in full dual channel mode. The first 4GB from each stick will run in dual channel, but the remaining 12GB of the 16GB stick will run in single channel mode. This can affect performance, especially for tasks that require fast memory access.
3. Performance Impact:
While your system will still benefit from the extra memory (20GB total), it may not be as fast or efficient as using two equal-sized RAM sticks. However, for many everyday tasks, you might not notice a big difference.
4. Check Motherboard Support:
Make sure your motherboard supports mismatched RAM sizes. Most modern motherboards do, but it’s always good to double-check the specifications.
Summary
You can use 16GB and 4GB RAM together, but for best performance, try to match the size, speed, and type of your RAM sticks. If performance is a priority, using two identical RAM modules (e.g., 16GB + 16GB) is recommended.
