Mixing RAM sticks works, but don’t count on it.

It might work, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

RAM kits are sold as matched sets for a reason: the sticks are tested to run together at the same speeds, timings, and voltages. Adding an old 8GB stick of unknown specs to a new 24GB kit (assuming that’s two 12GB sticks or three 8GB sticks? 24GB is an odd size—likely a 2x12GB kit) introduces potential instability. The system will probably boot, but it might crash randomly, fail to hit the rated speed, or fall back to slower settings. Dual-channel mode might break, cutting performance.

Worst case: the system won’t POST, or you’ll get memory errors that corrupt files. Best case: it’s fine. The odds are decent but not great. If you need guaranteed stability, buy a matching 32GB kit. If you have the old stick and don’t mind troubleshooting, try it—just back up your data first.

Matched kits cost less hassle than chasing gremlins.