Can I add another 16GB Memory Kit? Please say it's possible!!!

[Moises2018]

Hello,

I currently have 16 GB (2 X 8GB) of DDR4 3200 memory. I want to upgrade the system memory to 32GB. However, an ASUS tech mentioned to me that I would most likely have stability/performance problems if I upgraded my system memory. He mentioned that I should have purchased a 32GB kit to begin with.
I have the G.Skill TridentZ RGB Series 16GB (2 X 8GB) Kit. Model: F4-3200C14D-16GTZR.

I want to purchase the same exact kit, same model in order to have 32GB of system memory; but is it true that I will have possible stability/performance issues if I add another 16GB memory kit?

Is there problems with adding two 16GB memory kits (same model) instead of a 32GB kit?

Can someone please shed some light on the matter?

Thank you!

[Rob W.]

Hi Moises2018,
Yes they are quite right it can cause stability issues.
A kit is produced from matching ram modules ie; they have the same response at the same power input and the same speed and given a sequential number,
So although you can get 2 identical kits, they will be running at different speeds and would therefore cause instability!
It is possible to alter the timings and voltages to ease this and enable the two kits to work together but not garunteed.
I personally did the same and brought two kits for my other rig and two years later they still won’t work together, even though they will work on the same settings individually.
I could have put that a bit more technically but that’s how I see it.
Could sell the kit you have to help fund a larger kit, or, try tinkerring with the timings, there are plenty here that could guide you in the right direction, but no garuntees it will work.*

[Mr. Fox]

You could have stability issues using 4 sticks with the newer Intel ME firmware introduced in BIOS versions 1401 and 1602. I have a 4x8GB kit of Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-4000 that worked flawlessly for months, up until the ME version was updated, and now my system is a horrible mess with all 4 sticks installed. Still works flawlessly with only two installed, but all hell breaks loose with 4 sticks installed.

Flashing the older BIOS 1101 with ME 11.8.50.3425 and previous BIOS versions does not downgrade the ME firmware. Using ASUS BIOS Flashback does not downgrade the ME firmware. So, be prepared to discover the possibility of your system not working right. You may end up sending the memory back for a refund. Don't blame the RAM though. I have an active support ticket with ASUS trying to get them to correct the problem. I cannot get the Intel ME tool to work as the ME region seems to be locked, so I need their help downgrading the ME.

[Phillyflyer]

Hello,

I currently have 16 GB (2 X 8GB) of DDR4 3200 memory. I want to upgrade the system memory to 32GB. However, an ASUS tech mentioned to me that I would most likely have stability/performance problems if I upgraded my system memory. He mentioned that I should have purchased a 32GB kit to begin with.
I have the G.Skill TridentZ RGB Series 16GB (2 X 8GB) Kit. Model: F4-3200C14D-16GTZR.

I want to purchase the same exact kit, same model in order to have 32GB of system memory; but is it true that I will have possible stability/performance issues if I add another 16GB memory kit?

Is there problems with adding two 16GB memory kits (same model) instead of a 32GB kit?

Can someone please shed some light on the matter?

Thank you!

It is not recommended to mix ram modules...even same models...not saying you can't....may have to play with alot of the timings to get them to work .....you do however risk the chance of stability when doing so.

[Mr. Fox]

If the SPD is not identical you could have stability issuses. If the modules are identical (hardware) in every respect you can use Thaiphoon Burner to transfer the firmware. Doing this could void the warranty on the memory. It would be best to sell your 2 sticks kit and buy the 4-stick kit. Some of the 4-stick kits have the SPD configured for 1 DIMM per channel and they are intended for quad-channel systems, not dual-channel with 2 DIMM per channel.

[Threat]

It is not recommended to mix ram modules...even same models...not saying you can't....may have to play with alot of the timings to get them to work .....you do however risk the chance of stability when doing so.

Isn't there also a specific type of memory or brand (g. skill?) that showed to have issues with the Maximux X Hero wifi? I tried to search, but couldn't find an exact answer. I thought I recall you knowing what it was?

[Menthol]

I would never say you could safely do this and you have to understand that if you purchase a second kit it is all on you
But if your kit is the 3200 14-14-14-34 kit I would say you have a good chance of them working together, I say this because I have owned several of the 4x8GB kits of that speed and have used 2 3600 15-15-15 kits together without issue.
You would be better to sell the 2x8 kit and purchase the 4x8 kit of the same speed and timings, or purchase from a store with a return policy in case it is not successful

[Phillyflyer]

Isn't there also a specific type of memory or brand (g. skill?) that showed to have issues with the Maximux X Hero wifi? I tried to search, but couldn't find an exact answer. I thought I recall you knowing what it was?

The GSkill kit you are probably referring to is the 3600 mhz CL15 kit which seems to be giving people issues with the Hero or Formula...not quite sure which board...maybe both....if memory serves me correct....I know that at one time I had tried the GSkill Trident Z RGB 3600mhz CL 16 kit (2 dual kits with sequential serial numbers) on the Asus V10 x99 board and had no issues whatsoever....Fact remains...it's best to buy 1 quad kit vs 2 dual kits and save yourself the very possibility of running into issues when mixing kits.

[Moises2018]

WOW, I can't believe it! Makes me so sad & upset that's the case, that two same model kits (2X8) will possibly have performance/stability issues unless it's a 4X8GB kit... Gosh, why do PC's have to be so darn stressful and difficult, besides all the money you drop into the hobby!

I appreciate everyone that has helped and contributed! THANK YOU!