Ram question

If I order a PC with the Fury Beast DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 5200mhz Ram which right now is backordered do you guys think it will run with a set of Corsair DOMINATOR Platinum RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 5600 MHz Ram i got ahold of? Wanna run 64GB if possible I know the faster ram will run at the slowest ones speed but is their any issues that may arise especially if I try to OC the Fury to match the Dominator?

It's not very likely you can mix ram types. It's not recommended you try to mix brands even when the speeds are the same. I'm very doubtful those two sets can be run together. What makes you think you'll be needing 64 GB? For gaming, it's a waste.

Foremost, "your mileage may vary" and there is no "one size fits all" regarding RAM configurations -- most things really.

Originally posted by Sorata If I order a PC with the Fury Beast DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 5200mhz Ram which right now is backordered do you guys think it will run with a set of Corsair DOMINATOR Platinum RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 5600 MHz Ram i got ahold of? Wanna run 64GB if possible I know the faster ram will run at the slowest ones speed but is their any issues that may arise especially if I try to OC the Fury to match the Dominator?

Originally posted by WePC Can I Mix RAM Speeds? The short answer is yes, but only sometimes. RAM itself is compatible with other RAM of different timings and speeds. This being said, the greater the gap between the two speeds, the greater the stress your motherboard is going to incur trying to run them simultaneously. For example, two modules of RAM with the same speed (let’s say 2400 MHz) and slightly different CAS timings probably wouldn’t be an issue. Your motherboard would pick the slowest one and run them both at those speeds. The further away you get in speeds and timings, the harder your motherboard is going to have to work to run them simultaneously. Furthermore, it may require manual control over the speeds and timings in the form of over or underclocking the modules to ensure stability. In other words, you could probably do it, but it would definitely be a bigger headache than it is worth.

Source: What You Need to Know about RAM Speeds – Does RAM Speed Matter? | WePC

Originally posted by Sorata I know digital storm offers 64 but it’s only 4800 mhz I’d like 5600 or 6400.

As the earlier linked article already addresses, RAM speed is not just reliant on the data rate (i.e., MHz or MT). In fact, if you only look at the benchmark graphs, you will see the majority of game performance gains correlate to lower latency (i.e., lower timings).

Let's step back for a moment. In marketing, latency is simplified as CAS, CAS Latency, or CL plus a number (e.g., CL16). Some product listings may include sub-timings, but those are not worth worrying about, memorizing. Instead, in regard to latency, focus on what is referred to as real, true, or effective latency. The equation is:

real latency = CAS latency x 2000 / data rate

Alternatively, you can use a RAM Latency Calculator.

Moving ahead... The following examples showcase well-tuned DDR4 versus a "stock" (i.e., XMP) kit of DDR5.

DDR5 vs. DDR4 Benchmarks on Intel i9-12900K | Gamers Nexus (YouTube)

You will see the DDR4-3200 CL14 (for the most part) keeps pace with the DDR5-5200 CL38, at least in gaming. Certainly, that is primarily because of the latency difference. If you go back to the calculator, you will discover the DDR5 kit's real latency is almost 60% more.

The results are why RAM kits such as 2 x 8GB Trident Z Royal PC4-32000/DDR4-4000 CL15 cost so much and why "hardcore" gamers are willing to splurge on them. By the way, the 8GB module capacity is significant. Perhaps you've seen 4 x 8GB kits and wondered "why not get two 16GB sticks?" Sixteen gigabyte and greater DDR4 modules cannot achieve as 'tight' of timings (at least not consistently).

With all of that said... Because you already purchased the DDR5-5600 kit, my recommendation is to do your own testing. Try each RAM pair to see if/how much it makes a difference, or if you can use both sets without hassle.

If you didn't already buy another kit, I would have suggested to wait, upgrade in a couple of years. As with other products, DDR5 will eventually reach its full potential with a value relevant to many/most users.

Edited by MrCheetah - 17 Jan 2022 at 10:53am

Thank you MrCheetah. That answered my question very thoroughly. My hat off to you sir.

There he is....   

MrCheetah is our Forum's Mr. Wizard!