Buying DDR2

jamface202

jamface202

jamface202

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Joined
18 Oct 2010
Posts
18
Hi Guys,

I'm currently using a pc that I built 4 years ago and am upgrading it. As it stands at the moment it's:
core2duo E6300
Gigabyte 965P DS3
2 x 1GB OCZ Gold 6400
ATI X1800XT

But I'm upgrading the CPU to a Q6600, the graphics to a 4870 and the power supply to a 700W OCZ too.

What's the best way to upgrade the RAM? I was thinking to just put in a couple more sticks of what I have already but it doesn't seem to be as commonly available any more with DDR3 being more the norm now. I'm also worried that DDR2 prices are going to just go up and up so I should get enough to see me through till I want to upgrade the whole system (thinking 3 to 4 more years). Can I add 2 x 2 gb sticks? It's dual channel but not sure if that means I need to add sticks in matching pairs or if I need to have all 4 sticks matching?

Thanks guys,
JamFace
 
I would try and pickup a 2nd hand 4GB kit of Corsair XMS2 or similar myself and then sell the 2 x 1GB sticks you have at the moment.
 
Yes you can do that as your board supports up to 8GB of RAM. It's worth mentioning you want to have a 64 Bit version of Windows if your going to be running this much RAM by the way.
 
Thanks, how similar would the new memory need to be to the old stuff? i.e. could I add 2 sticks of 2gb Corsair XMS2 as long as it's pc6400 or do I need to look out for more than that?
 
Your better to stick to the same type of RAM to be honest as far as speed, timings and voltage go. As you wish to keep your existing OCZ Gold RAM I would try and pickup another kit of the same type rather than mixing and matching although im not sure if you can still buy this RAM. It's better to use a matched pair (or pairs) where possible for the best performance.
 
ok, I think what I'll do is check what the default voltage and timings are (I know it's PC6400) when I get home and then see if I can get 2 x 2 gb sticks of XMS2 with the same voltage and timings...

If it doesn't work I'll just sell the OCZ stuff and maybe replace it with some more XMS2
 
I checked the memory I have and it says on it that the timings are 4-5-5-15 and the voltage given on the OCZ site is 2.0V

I looked at the 4gb kits of the same OCZ gold but the timings on that are 5-5-5-18 and the voltage on the OCZ site says 1.8V

so would i be able to use them together?
 
If I was you I would just buy a 4GB kit and sell the 2 Dimms you have at the moment. I wouldn't be happy mixing memory modules that had different timings and voltage requirements especially if you are thinking of Overclocking. I would get the 4GB kit of the OCZ or Corsair XMS2 Memory and sell the 2 Dimms you have to help pay for the upgrade. 4GB is a nice boost as you are still doubling the amount of RAM you have now :)
 
jamface202 said:
I checked the memory I have and it says on it that the timings are 4-5-5-15 and the voltage given on the OCZ site is 2.0V

I looked at the 4gb kits of the same OCZ gold but the timings on that are 5-5-5-18 and the voltage on the OCZ site says 1.8V

so would i be able to use them together?
Click to expand...

No mate i wouldn't, the timings and voltage required are different. i'd go for the 4gb kit on its own.
 
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