Mixing up RAM

martian_aphid · 9 Jan 2009 at 16:11

I'm thinking of adding another 2x 2GB sticks of ram to my current build.

What I got about 6 months ago was some G.Skill PQ PC26400 2x2gb:
http://newgskill.web-bi.net/bbs/vie...n&sc=on&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=95

Unfortunately OcUK no longer stock this and I was wondering if it was safe to pair it up with this set:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-136-CS

Timings, are similar [5, 5, 5, 15 on the g.skill 5, 5, 5, 18 on the corsair] and the voltage range is 1.8-1.9v for both.

I've read its best to stick with the same manufacturers and speeds, obviously I can't stick to the former so I'm just looking for some advice whether I'm safe going with this corsiar set instead.

Any help is appreciated ;-)

martian_aphid · 10 Jan 2009 at 14:04

any ideas?

martian_aphid · 16 Jan 2009 at 16:20

Here's some extra info if anyone can give me some advice on this one

Yellowbeard · 16 Jan 2009 at 19:13

Purely out of curiosity, what OS are you running?

MrMoses · 16 Jan 2009 at 19:22

Dunno if this helps,
Mixed DDR2 Ram will just reduce your systems stability if you are an overclocker .

Say you have mixed low and High Spec Ram, your PC will just run the Ram at the low spec Ram speed.

but mixing the ram like above you will be able to get more of an overclock than if it were the low spec ram on its own.

so if you are going to mix Ram, ensure its of the same Band and as similar as possible

martian_aphid · 16 Jan 2009 at 22:05

@ Yellowbeard, I'm using Vista 64, mainly for imaging and rendering work, I feel the extra ram will come in handy, esp. for rendering and working between mutiple programs at once.

I'm running things at stock for the time being for day to day use. As far as using the same brand, that is my dilema as I can't find any of the g.skill ram I currently have.

Yellowbeard · 16 Jan 2009 at 22:07

The best way to try to get compatibility is to find out what specific ICs are used on your current memory. Then, if you can't buy more of the same Gskill, try to find something made with the EXACT same ICs as this will give you the best chance of compatibility. Most problems that I see occur when mixing different ICs. You may want to contact Gskill directly and see what they advise.

martian_aphid · 17 Jan 2009 at 01:10

Thanks for the advice Yellowbeard, I have a vague recollection that they might be samsungs but I will look into it.

Cheers