Quick memory compatibility question

elkdanger

elkdanger

elkdanger

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11 Mar 2003
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North Shields
Hello,

Just wanted to confirm something before I commit to a purchase; when I built my current system I ordered a bundle which contained Corsair XMS2 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 6400C4. I would like to upgrade again now to 4GB but OcUK doesn't have this memory in stock at the moment.

However, they do have the 6400C5 in. Am I likely to run into any weird compatibility issues by running two sticks of each on the board?

Thanks in advance
 
I would say no but then there are a bunch of weird compatibility issues with RAM that I never really understood (some RAM apparently even conflicts with the video card).

I think a lot of this depends on your board. Remember also that running 4 sticks of RAM may interfear with your overclock as the northbridge will be under greater strain.

If it gives you a level of comfort I'm running 4 sticks of DDR2 RAM totalling 6GB. One set is 533 C4 the second is 800 C5 but they're both working well togther at circa 650 C3.
 
the only issue I can see is if your board was trying to run dual channel but at different latencies, however, AFAIK I think the bios will default all the ram to the same settings, ie highest available value compatible with all your modules, in your case 6400 but at C5.
 
It will probably work but, there are no guarantees and we do not suggest mixing memory types/speeds/sizes etc. In some cases it works flawlessly and in others the system will not even boot with mixed memory. The only way to know for sure is to install and test.

My suggestion is a 2 x 2GB kit. Then, you could actually attempt 6GB. If it does not work you still have the 2 x 2GB and you can find another use for the 2 x 1GB or, sell it, etc.
 
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