Name: p0rsche Date: January 22, 2006 at 12:23:04 Pacific Subject: DDR2 PC2-4200 MIXING RAM Confusion OS: WINDOWS XP CPU/Ram: 2x512
Comment:
I currently have KINGSTON VALUE RAM 2 x 512 DDR2 PC2-4200 on slot 1 and slot 3 (total 4 slots). I am thinking of upgrading by adding more ram chips. All i know is when upgrading ram buy the same type of ram so i must by PC2-4200, but does it have to be the SAME SIZE and SAME BRAND? i.e. 3x512 or 4x512 or can I add just one more 256 PC2-4200 533 in my slot 2? Also do I HAVE to buy TWO Sets of the same ram to make to fill the remaining 2 slots or can I just buy one? I'm quite confused regarding this whole upgrading of ram business and couldn't find any solutions or information online regarding this.
Hope people in the computing.net can provide some input.
it all depends on your specific system. you need to give us your system specs (brand and model#'s)
another thing... you have 1 GB (2 matched chips), that is more than enough for most users. however, if you feel you need more and you have 2 free slots, then buy 2 more matched sticks (if you buy the same ones you already have, then you know they'll work)
I can't figure out why you're thinking of adding a random 256MB stick in addition to your 1GB, DON'T, it won't do you any good, and if your board utilizes dual-channel, then you will actually hurt your system performance by adding a third chip.
Hmm interesting points to consider.. I have ASUS P5AD2 DELUXE MOBO, PENTIUM 4 3.0GHZ LGA775 530, NVIDIA 6600GT, Ram as mentioned. So just wondering if it's possible to upgrade by adding another ONE 256 or 512, or do I have to upgrade by 2x256 or 2x512 matching sets.
I agree with King Cody in that you should only add matching RAM if you're looking to add any more to your system. If your system supports dual channel memory and this is what you're using with your 1GB memory so far, 2x512, then you will gain no benefit from adding one stick to that spare slot and it may hamper your system's performance because it's not compatible with the existing sticks. If you must, go with 2x256 or 2x512, your choice. But yes, you should stick with matching sets.
