Can I add a 2*2Gb pair to my 2*1Gb pair?

Runbalk

Runbalk

Runbalk

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I always hear about how important it is to ensure memory modules match so was wondering just how closely they do have to match.

Currently I have 2Gb (2*1Gb) of ddr2 pc2-6400 RAM with the following timings: 800MHz, 4-4-4-12 2T @ 2.1V (EPP). I have 2 slots free that I want to put more memory in.

I was wondering if it was okay to get a 2*2Gb pair but with the same timings or if the module sizes had to be the same too?
 
Should be ok, make sure it is the same voltage and you shouldn't have any problems. You might need to juggle the slots to make it all work in dual channel but other than that i don't forsee any major issues with mixing a 2gb set with a 4gb set.

Though unless you need 6gb you could just get another set the same as you have to makes 100% sure you don't have any issues.

Oh in case you didn't know, you WILL need a 64bit os to utilise all 6gb.
 
Cool cheers. Well the only reason for adding an extra 4gb was just because I could. Is there not much of an advantage of 6 over 4? Mainly play computer games, but also do some video editing and 3d work every now and then...
 
Im running 2x1GB + 2x2GB, as long as the pairs match, then imho there is no problem. To keep dual channel active just make sure the pairs are correctly installed in the motherboard. On my board Slots 0 and 2 are channel 0, and 1 and 3 are channel 1, so my ram is installed 1GB, 2GB, 1GB, 2GB.

Normally the slots are colour coded to help out.

I found my PC ran a little smoother with 6GB compared to 4, 64bit windows has a somewhat larger footprint than 32bit, so while it does make good use of extra ram, it needs a little extra itself to be smooth. I've hit 80% memory usage, so 4GB would be a little too low for my peak usage.
 
Corasik said:
Im running 2x1GB + 2x2GB, as long as the pairs match, then imho there is no problem. To keep dual channel active just make sure the pairs are correctly installed in the motherboard. On my board Slots 0 and 2 are channel 0, and 1 and 3 are channel 1, so my ram is installed 1GB, 2GB, 1GB, 2GB.

Normally the slots are colour coded to help out.

also in my previous setup I also made sure the voltage off the chips was the same as well, ie matching corsair 2*2gb and 2*1GB @ 6gb memory
Click to expand...
 
Yup indeed most motherboard colourcode, Have found a few that only have black slots though. Good point with the voltages, My 1GB ram is OCZ PC5300 and the 2GB sticks are OCZ PC6400, but both support 2V (and the whole thing is 100% stable with 1.9v) :)
 
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