Mixing RAM frequencies

[Mickzter97]

I know it isn't recommended, but will it damage my RAM or motherboard?

My mobo is an Asus P8Z69-V.
I currently have 8GB of RAM, 2x2GB sticks in one channel and 1x4GB stick in the other channel.
The 4GB stick is 1600Mhz, and the other two are 1333Mhz. I know the motherboard will only run at 1333Mhz because of the 2GB sticks. The reason I have those two is that my other 1x4GB got fried. I dunno why.

So I'm planning on getting a 4GB stick but 1600Mhz is too expensive. I can get a 1333 cheap at Sahara, but will it damage my 1600 stick or my motherboard?

 

[GreyBush]

No... your 1600mhz stick will theoretically last longer because it's under less strain.

 

[Mickzter97]

Thanks

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

Yeah, it shouldn't be an issue at all.

Just make sure the RAM you're about to buy is compatible with your motherboard

 

[ChrisThomas]

All Ram will run at the same Frequency of the slowest RAM in the board. That is the case for all scenarios.

 

[Pada]

If your 4GB memory module got fried, then I suppose that it was a 1.5V module and your 2GB modules were 1.65V.

You can mix and match different brand, frequencies and latencies, but I cannot recommend that you mix and match RAM with different voltages! Typically the DDR3 1600MHz modules were 1.65V, which you can run at 1.5V @ 1333MHz.

If you're going to mix different frequencies/latency RAM, then I'd suggest that you manually set your RAM timing and frequency, otherwise you may have issues.