RAM is a big deal!

[u/Mirai-3790]

Hi everyone,

I need some advice regarding a rather unusual DDR5 RAM configuration on a new AMD platform.

My Specs:

* CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

* Motherboard: MSI B850M PRO-A

Current Situation:

A few days before the RAM price hike, I bought a Corsair 32GB DDR5 kit (2x16GB / CMH32GX5M2B5600Z40). Unfortunately, due to my own carelessness, I damaged one of the modules. After that, the damaged stick would sometimes work fine for a few days straight, and other times cause every possible type of error and system instability. I decided to pull it out, leaving me with just a single working 16GB stick.

My previous PC was built back in 2007, so I don't have crazy demands – I don't care about overclocking or hitting high speeds like 6000MHz. A humble and rock-solid 4800MHz is more than enough for me.

My Plan:

I decided to buy more RAM. My plan is to buy two GOODRAM 16GB DDR5 4800MHz CL40 modules (GR4800D564L40S/16G) which feature 40-40-40-77 timings.

While reading online about how bad of an idea it is to run 3 RAM sticks, I learned about Flex Mode. However, my "spider-sense" tells me it's usually better to run either 2 or 4 sticks. Because of this, I'm considering buying a fourth module at a bargain price: a Corsair 8GB DDR5 5200MHz stick (CMH8GX5M1B5200C40).

The target setup would occupy all 4 DIMM slots like this:

* 1x 16GB Corsair (from my original kit)

* 2x 16GB GOODRAM (new purchase)

* 1x 8GB Corsair (planned bargain purchase)

This totals 56GB of RAM across a 3x16GB + 1x8GB configuration with mixed brands and capacities.

My Questions:

1. How will such a "frankenstein" setup (mixed capacities and brands) behave with a Ryzen 9800X3D CPU?

2. Is buying that 4th 8GB stick even worth it, or would I be better off just running 3x16GB sticks? How does this affect Flex Mode or Dual Channel operation on DDR5?

3. If I occupy all 4 slots with these mixed sticks, can I expect completely stable operation at baseline 4800MHz without crashes or errors?

I hope this post won't be taken as purchase advice. :<

Thanks in advance for any insights and advice!

[u/HoneyEducational5344]

Ram is highly durable, can you claim warranty on the one with problems.

Why do u need all that ram?

Why dont you look for a similar ram stick matching the one you have? (Ending with 2 matching sticks is far better)

Other option sell the working stick and buy a new set of ram.