Windows 7 - Yet another RAM query

ICit2lol · 12-25-2011

Have a Vista machine here and it has 2x1Gb PC2-5300 DDR2 @667MHz in it and running very slowly. I have a 2GB stick of PC2-6400 @800MHz spare and wondering if it's ok to put it in with the PC 5300?

I know it will probably drop the speed back to 667 but am just trying to get a bit more RAM onboard. Wouldn't be concerned if it were my machine but one that I am cleaning and updating, and I don't have that much experience doing this with laptops - the main concern being the heat differential?.

Machine is a Toshiba A210 running Vista Home

marsmimar · 12-26-2011

Do you have a specific model number for the A210? Crucial lists about a gazillion sub-models. Most seem to have two memory slots and the A210 should support up to 4GB RAM. You might want to plug in the specific data just to make sure about the RAM specs. This is to the A210-138 just as an example.

Computer memory upgrades for Toshiba Satellite A210-138 Laptop/Notebook from Crucial.com

Most folks suggest that RAM be installed in matched pairs. However, I had no problems with an older Dell Inspiron running a 1GB stick and a 2GB stick from different manufacturers with completely different specs. RAM prices have come way down recently. (A lot of online retailers are selling 4GB sticks for under $20 US.) I think I'd ask the owner if he'd be willing to max out the RAM.

ICit2lol · 12-26-2011

Yeah marsmimar it's the PSAFGA-061019.

Yeah Crucial is pretty darn good but getting it or much of the US stuff out here is problematic and I have lined some Corsair sticks (kit)
Corsair VS4GSDSKIT667D2 4GB (2x2GB) PC-5300 SODIMM [VS4GSDSKIT667D2] - $59.00 : PC Case Gear
as these are the right speed and I have used them before - just I wasn't quite sure re using the larger Kingston 2GB at the higher speed and the Hynix 1GB at the lower speed.

Anyway she is happy to fork out that to make this machine a bit quicker, and it won't cost her anything for me to throw it in eh?

Pity it wasn't DDR3 as it is as cheap as - 1x4GB stick - $22!

Britton30 · 12-27-2011

I think the Corsair kit is better than having a 1GB and a 2GB stick. The memory controller should be able to handle it more efficiently. I've used differing sticks of RAM too and seemed to work well, but I feel the matching one will perform better.

ICit2lol · 12-27-2011

Thanks mate I'll do that as per my previous post I didn't feel comfortable with mix / matching.

Windows 7 - Yet another RAM query

Yet another RAM query problems?