RAM noob needing quick help

[lukext]

Hi there. Ive looked about the internet and this forum but I'm still a little unclear. Anyway...

I current have 2 x 512MB (Geil)

I was going to upgrade my computer for core 2 then Intel decided to change the socket for nehalem and so it looks like I'm staying put for a while so i thought I'd get more ram to make my system last.

My options:

2 x 512MB (Kingston)
or
2x 1GB (Crucial)

Now this is where i get confused. Firstly, is it ok having ram from two different manufactures in your machine (geil and crucial or geil and kingson) or is something gonna spit out its dummy?

Secondly is it ok to mix capacities i.e. 2x512MB and 2x1GB (all of which will be in the respective channels in the mobo)?

Many thanks for any responses and sorry for what to you probably seems a really stupid question!!

 

[Cob]

Mixing memory of different brands can be hit-and-miss. Sometimes it works, sometimes it won't. Personally I'd get the 2x1gb of Crucial and try them with the Geil. If that doesn't work out then you'll still be left with 2gb and can sell the Geil.

Running 512mb sticks with 1gb sticks is fine (providing the sticks are compatible ofcourse).

 

[Tetras]

I'd just sell the 512x2 and buy 2x1GB. Saves the hassle then and 2GB works nice with XP. Nothing to stop you trying them together though.

 

[lukext]

Yeh, i think ill get the 2x1GB then if they work together i get 3GB system ram +512 of video so just about the limits of 32 bit. If they don't then i have still doubled my ram.

Cheers for your advice!