4x 2gb corsair ddr2 ram, different timings/voltage?

[MrJB]

OK so i got 2x 2gb ddr2 modules that are at 4-4-4-12 , 2.1 V on the label and another 2x 2gb modules at 5-5-5-18, 1.8V.
They both are corsair 800mhz ddr2 ram.

So first of all seeing that I do not quite understand all this 4-4-4-12 business (and yes i did read the sticky), could someone please explain this, especially which of the two above types are the faster?

Also can you please tell me whether its safe to put both types onto the same motherboard? And is it possible to then adjust the timings+voltage so that all 4 modules are the same? Or will the motherboard handle this when the ram settings are on auto?

Thanks a lot,
jerry

 

[MrJB]

just a little update, it works if I put the two 4-4-4-12 modules in. as soon as i add the other two, system wont boot. Then i remove them again, reboot and it says overclock failed. im guessing that means the mobo tried to even out the modules?

i would really appreciate an answer.

 

[Yellowbeard]

Mixing modules like you are is not recommended. In some cases, like yours, the system will not boot. You'll need to add EXACTLY matched memory to your system for the best chance of success. Even then, there are no guarantees as the motherboard and memory controller may or may not be able to handle the load.

The numbers you asked about are latency numbers. In short, this is the amount of time in clock cycles that it takes for certain memory operations to occur. The higher the number, the longer each activity takes. Lower numbers = faster memory due to less waiting.

 

[MrJB]

cheers yellowbeard. looks like i might get some new ram at some stage thats on the QLV to get myself up to 8gb.