Mixing RAM sizes

Paracelsus · 7 Jul 2007 at 16:14

Ok folks, I currently have 2x512mb DDR400 modules in, but need more to play STALKER properly, so want to buy another 512mb/1gb stick.

Question is, will there be a problem having a 1Gb stick in the third slot? Guessing I can't run the first two in dual-channel mode anymore, unless I get 2 more 512mb sticks. But I hear there are issues with using all 4 slots with s939 AMD systems?

What would you recommend, another 1gb stick or 2x512 (if it even works alright)?

edit: They would be same manufacturer/speed/timings, and the 1gb would go in the first slot if I was to get it.

Cheers

Yellowbeard · 9 Jul 2007 at 15:11

If you have a dual channel 939 system, I would NOT suggest 3 DIMMs. You need to run 1,2, or 4 DIMMs for best performance and stability. Some dual channel boards with 4 slots won't even boot with 3 DIMMs.

As for the 4 DIMMs issue on 939s, it's not a big deal. The main thing is lowering the command rate from 1T to 2T. You lose some performance in benchmarks but very little in real world performance.

Also, what CPU do you have? What core is it?

Paracelsus · 10 Jul 2007 at 02:53

Thanks for the reply.

My timings are already 2T so that's not an issue.

The CPU is an Athlon XP 3000+, Venice core. Mobo AsRock 939-dualsata2

So you really think it would not like 3 DIMMS, in single-channel mode?

Bah, I really want to play STALKER on full but not sure I can justify buying 2 more old DDR DIMMS when 1gb plays every other game fine.

Cyber-Mav · 10 Jul 2007 at 05:11

same reason i went with 4 sticks of ram, my command rate was already at 2t with 2 sticks of ram so 4 stiks did not hurt performance at all.