Mixing memory chip sizes on ASRock M3A770DE mobo

bethy1234

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Mrning all,

Could any one tell me whether it would be ok to mix memory chip sizes on my mobo.


currently i have 4gb of ddr2 in one slot. would it be ok to add something like CORSAIR 4GB (2x2GB) XMS3 DDR3 1600MHz, in memory slots 2 and 3, leaving slot 4 free for when i can possibly afford another 4gb memory chip.


Will mixing ddr2 and ddr3 cause me a problem, or is it best to stick with ddr2 across the board?


Thanks in advance
 

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It's physically impossible to place a stick of DDR3 into a DDR 2 motherboard.
 

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Nope, not only will it not fit it's not compatible. That's why they make them with the key slot in a different place.

Here's quick comparison of DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 modules. (Notice the location of the key slot.)

ddr « GBComputerGuys.com Blog
 

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Built 2/11/2011
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Thank you fumz/carwiz,

it turns out the stats i gave you re: my ram were taken using an old vesion of cpu-z (circa 2009) which reported ddr2, i checked my mobo ram type at asrock, it stated mobo only uses ddr3, this lead me to d/l a more recent copy of cpu-z which correctly stated ram to indeed be ddr3. My mistake.


My question remains is it possible to mix ram sizes e.g. 4gb+2gb+2gb+4gb on the same mobo?


Thank you in advance
 

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Yes, it is possible to mix module capacities, providing that all the other parameters (timings and voltage) match. However, for best results, and to maintain the correct operation of dual/triple channel on systems that support it, you will get better performance if all modules match in every respect.
 

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dwarf,your info answers my question precisely.

thanks
 

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You're welcome, bethy1234. :)
 

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Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64Intel Core-i5-3570K 4-core @ 3.4GHz (Ivy Brid...4 x 4GB DDR3-1600 Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2...MSI GeForce GTX770 Gaming OC 2GB
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dwarf Dwf/11/2012 r09/2013
OS
Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64
CPU
Intel Core-i5-3570K 4-core @ 3.4GHz (Ivy Bridge) (OC 4.4GHz)
Motherboard
ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M
Memory
4 x 4GB DDR3-1600 Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B (16GB)
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GeForce GTX770 Gaming OC 2GB
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition on board solution (ALC 898)
Monitor(s) Displays
ViewSonic VA1912w Widescreen (VGA)
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility 3 SSD 120GB SATA III x2 (RAID 0)
Samsung HD501LJ 500GB SATA II x2
Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 1TB SATA II
Iomega 1.5TB Ext USB 2.0
WD 2.0TB Ext USB 3.0
PSU
XFX Pro Series 850W Semi-Modular
Case
Gigabyte IF233
Cooling
1 x 120mm Front Inlet 1 x 120mm Rear Exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 3000 (USB)
Mouse
Microsoft Comfort Mouse 3000 for Business (USB)
Internet Speed
NetGear DG834Gv3 ADSL Modem/Router (Ethernet) ~4.0 Mb/s (O2)
Antivirus
Avast! 8.0.1497
Browser
IE 11
Other Info
Optical Drive: HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH10LS30 SATA Bluray
Lexmark S305 Printer/Scanner/Copier (USB)
WEI Score: 8.1/8.1/8.5/8.5/8.25
Asus Eee PC 1011PX Netbook (Windows 7 x86 Starter)
Check your motherboard documentation first. Not all MBs or more precicely, the BIOS, will use different capacity memory modules as you expect. Some will assign the memory as a unit (contiguous) and some will not. If it's not assigned contiguously, Windows will reserve it for hardware use and not assign it to software. It becomes wasted RAM for most part.
 

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Windows 7 Pro-x64i7-2600 3.4GHz - 3.8GHz Turbo8Gb - 2x4GB, Muskin 991770 PC3-1333Integrated Intel HD 2000
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built 2/11/2011
OS
Windows 7 Pro-x64
CPU
i7-2600 3.4GHz - 3.8GHz Turbo
Motherboard
Intel DH67BL-B3
Memory
8Gb - 2x4GB, Muskin 991770 PC3-1333
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel HD 2000
Sound Card
Integrated Intel 10.1 HD, RealTek ALC892
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus LCD VH222H, Haier HL24XSL2a
Screen Resolution
1920x1080, 1920x1080
Hard Drives
Crucial SSD C300-128Gb,
Western Digital WD5002AALX - 500Gb,
Western Digital WD7501AALS - 750Gb
PSU
Seasonic 650W 80+ Gold Modular
Case
Rosewill Defender
Cooling
Stock CPU, Four 120mm case fans, PCH fan added
Keyboard
Logitech EX100 Y-RBH94 Wireless
Mouse
Logitech EX100 M-RCE95 Wireless
Internet Speed
3.0/1.5 Mbs
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11
Other Info
Antec Veris Premier-Multimedia IR Station,
Cyber Accoustics-3602 Speakers,
AFT XM-5U Card Reader,
Hauppauge TV-HVR-2250,
Sony LX300 USB Turntable
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