RAM Upgrade

[dino13]

Hi, and sorry for maybe stupid question...

So I have 2GB of ram -> 2x 1 GB, and 4 slots on motherboard.
Now I want to buy + 2x 1GB so that i have 4GB RAM.

So the question is : Does it have to be the exactly same RAM as the already available (4 example KINGSTON ...) or it doesn't mater.

 

[zigzag3143]

Hi, and sorry for maybe stupid question...

So I have 2GB of ram -> 2x 1 GB, and 4 slots on motherboard.
Now I want to buy + 2x 1GB so that i have 4GB RAM.

So the question is : Does it have to be the exactly same RAM as the already available (4 example KINGSTON ...) or it doesn't mater.

It should be. Any unmatched ram can cause BSOD's and freezing.

 

[mckillwashere]

I am running unmatched ram in 4 of my 7 machines.... I have not had any issues... Maybe I have just been lucky.

 

[mickey megabyte]

note that as you are running 32bit windows, you will not be able to use all of your 4 gigs - depending on other factors, you'll get to use maybe somewhere between 3 and 3.5.

you'll need to upgrade to 64bit windows to 'see' all your ram.

again, it doesn't have to be exactly the same, just make sure you get the right spec (speed etc).

 

[dino13]

OK, thx you all 4 help,

@mickey megabyte

One of the main reasons I wanna 4 gigs RAM IS that I wanna upgrade to 64-bit windows....

 

[brianzion]

i just upgraded my ram to 8 GIG 2GB x 4 sticks Corsair 800MHz C5 DDR2 XMS2 i kept to the same after good advice are you using ddr2 on the board or ddr3?

 

[Hopalong X]

FYI
Make sure the new RAM is a matching set. Some brands mark it as a Kit.

It will show something like 2MB, 2x1MB. Then you can pair the present 2 as is and add the new as a pair.
Usually have 2 blue and 2 white, 2 blue and 2 black slots or similar coloring on the mobo.

If you happen to need to identify your RAM here is a free software for that purpose.
Right side of page and get the 32bit until you upgrade the OS.
http://www.passmark.com/products/rammon.htm

Good luck Dino.

Mike

 

[mrdemon]

Good choice.

As I understand it with mem mod's the 2 that are in the same slot's (Coloured) being that its DDR2 and Dual Layered and Dual channel are there he same speed and the manufactures are not need too be the same but is an Idea as this will work better together. I have used before 2 different manufactures and not had a problem. Same goes for DDR3 Triple Channel.

 

[Hopalong X]

MrDemon

Agreed.
A different brand is okay. Best to use same speed. Same DDR or SDRAM which ever the type already used and approved by motherboard manufacturer.

Mike

 

[GeneO]

How much video RAM on your graphics card/onboard graphics? You will only have approximately 4GB minus video ram size of that memory usable. Just so you know.

- Gene

 

[spyknee]

Yes,

You could burn out the voltage controller on mobo with non-identicle ram.

 

[dino13]

ok thx, now I have 2 x 1gb ddr 2 800mhz ocz value cl5.

So, if I understood you all I can now add every ddr2 800mhz ram, no matter to the other specs..

Right ????

 

[DeaconFrost]

This is asked often, and the answers are always varying, misleading, and confusing...so let me try to give you the simplest answer:

Anytime you add memory or differing speeds, brands, timings, etc....you run the risk of it not working at all, not running stable when it does, or causing issues under a load.

If you want to eliminate as many variables as possible, and give yourself the best possible chance of having a stable system, ALWAYS match the memory. There's really no reason to save a few bucks on unmatched RAM, as the money saved won't help if you have issues down the road.

There are few rules to follow when building your own system, but some are ironclad, and offer no logical reason to ignore, such as match your memory, and don't skimp on a PSU.

Besides, you already know that memory plays nice with your board, so again...why take unneccesary risks?

 

[dino13]

@DeaconFrost

because my RAM can no longer be bought, and I don't wanna spend 150 bucks on all new RAM (or an single 4gigs RAM card), so I AM trying to buy the exactly same ram but the only available is the exactly same ram BUT 1000 GHz.

And so I come to my next stupid question...
Can I do this: Combine OSZ vlaue 1 GB DDR II 800 GHz WITH OCZ value 1 GB DDR II 1000GHz or APACER 1GB DDR II 800GHz or KINGSTON 1GB DDR II 800GHz

What of thet would be the best ?

 

[Hopalong X]

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Memory,Desktop Memory,240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM,2GB (2 x 1GB),DDR2 800 (PC2 6400),1.8V

$39-54 a pair. All 1.8v which is what you want. You don't want the highvoltage gaming RAM.

Newegg is in my opinion the best electronics outfit on the net. I've spent well over $2,000 in the past few years. Excellent customer service if you have a problem.


OCZ Gold is $41 + $4 shipping. Best match. DDR-2 800 CL-5 1.8v
Newegg.com - OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2G8002GK



OCZ product page.
OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 Gold GX XTC Dual Channel *EOL OCZ Technology

OCZ EL DDR2 PC2-6400 / 800MHz / Gold GX Edition / Dual Channel

The PC2-6400 Gold Edition is the ultimate memory solution for contemporary graphic-intensive PC titles and memory-hungry applications to provide unsurpassed reliability and performance for enthusiasts on a budget.

The new OCZ PC2-6400 Gold GX Edition utilizes the latest OCZ heatspreader design. XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) Heatspreaders allow increased ventilation and heat dissipation due to an innovative honeycomb design providing more direct access to the actual memory ICs.

As part of the award winning OCZ Gold GX series, the PC2-6400 Gold DDR2 edition is built with leading edge technology designed and qualified with special selection of premium components to maximize performance.

OCZ PC2-6400 products are 100% hand-tested to ensure compliance with stringent quality standards. In addition, each member of the OCZ Gold GX PC2-6400 family is backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty, toll-free technical support and the exclusive EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) coverage.

With its ultra-fast performance, high quality and reliability, the OCZ PC2-6400 Gold GX XTC edition is a perfect memory upgrade for memory-hungry systems where performance is key but your budget is tight.

• 800MHz DDR2
• CL 5-5-5-15(CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
• Available in 1GB Modules and 2GB (2x1024) DualChannel Kits
• Unbuffered
• Gold Layered XTC Heatspreader*
• LifetimeWarranty
• 1.8 Volts
• 240 Pin DIMM

Perfect!

Mike

 

[smarteyeball]

As long as the sticks are rated for the same voltage and the timings are the same (or similar) then it's usually fine.

If you download CPU-Z you'll see what your RAM CAS latency timings are. If this your RAM , then it's rated for 1.8v @ 5-6-6-15.

Any newer RAM should be 1.8v @ 5-5-5-15 as it's easier to run tighter timings 'looser' than it is to run them too 'tight' - that's where a lot of mix matched RAM stability issues stem from.

The most important spec of the two is the voltage though.

Some of those linked in the post above should suffice.

 

[dino13]

my RAM is 1.8v and 5-6-6-18.

But that's not the answer for my question...

Can I do this: Combine OSZ vlaue 1 GB DDR II 800 GHz WITH OCZ value 1 GB DDR II 1000GHz or APACER 1GB DDR II 800GHz or KINGSTON 1GB DDR II 800GHz

What of thet would be the best ?

 

[Hopalong X]

The only other choice I saw suitable was Crucial with CL-6 timing.

Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864AA800

 

[smarteyeball]

my RAM is 1.8v and 5-6-6-18.

But that's not the answer for my question...

Can I do this: Combine OSZ vlaue 1 GB DDR II 800 GHz WITH OCZ value 1 GB DDR II 1000GHz or APACER 1GB DDR II 800GHz or KINGSTON 1GB DDR II 800GHz

What of thet would be the best ?

Read it again and you'll have your answer...

 

[Hopalong X]

The 1000 probably won't work. VERY slim chance.

The others maybe. Speed is right but I have no idea on the voltage.
If they require 1.8v then they probably will. Not a guarantee.

Mike