RAM Question

[Conscious* Profile]

I currently have this RAM...

Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2PRO 1GB Kit DDR400 XMS3200 Dual-Channel ProSeries Memory w/Heat Spreader

(That is 512x2)

I was looking to add another Gig and go 512x4..will this memory work with it...I wasn't sure what Cas2.5 and Cas2.0 were.

Corsair VS1GBKIT400 1GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 CAS2.5 Value Select Memory

The first memory which i have in my CPU is C2, which i assume is Cas 2.0, the memory i want to buy for $75, is the same except its Cas 2.5, will this be any problem?

[ANTONIUS Profile]

for stability add same stuf u allready have or very close to them



go Slovakia go:)

[Conscious* Profile]

That wasn't the question...is the second RAM compatible with the first is what I need to know.

[MAXIMUM Profile]

Your motherboard has to support 2 sets of Dual channel RAM. Check your manual if you can do it.



Max

[Conscious* Profile]

Dual-channel DDR memory architecture
4 x184-pin DDR SDRAM DIMM socket support up to 4 GB
Support DDR400/333/266 unbuffered DDR SDRAM

So this RAM will be compatible correct? My main focus was that it wouldn't be a problem working with the other Gig of RAM i have.

[MAXIMUM Profile]

What is your motherboard make and model # ?

[Conscious* Profile]

ECS nForce4-939

[MAXIMUM Profile]

is this it ?

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWeb/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?CategoryID=1&TypeID=31&DetailID=493&MenuID=16&LanID=9

[Conscious* Profile]

Yes

[MAXIMUM Profile]

Its doesn't say anything in the manual about using 2 sets of dual channel RAM. Its a new motherboard so it might be standard now.


Max

[Major SONAR Profile]

I've read some reviews recently about 4 sticks of 512 Mb. vs 2 sticks of 1Gb. The 4 sticks are frequently slower than 2 sticks. Here is a link.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2006/02/15/memory_-_is_more_always_better/1.html

Freqently 1Gb is all you really need. Battlefield 2 is one of the few games/programs that benefits from the addtional RAM.

Don't know if this helps you with your decision.

[TChicken Profile]

According to the manual for that board, if I'm reading it right, on page 15 it says it will only support 4 'double rank' memory chips at up to 333mhz...


Here's the XMS info:
CMX512-3200C2
XMS3200
512MB
2-3-3-6
184 DIMM
Black

Here's the VS info:
VS1GBKIT400
PC3200
1024MB
2x64Mx64
2x184 DIMM

Can you tell if they're single or double rank?

The cas thing just means the 2 memory will have to run at the slower 2.5 setting but that itself doesn't mean it won't work.
Either way, mixing memory is a dark art at the best of times...

[Omen Profile]

Conscious... I am sure this is what you are looking for...

IF you have one set of ram running at CAS 2 then you install another set funning at CAS 2.5 you are looking for problems. There is no way ANY bios can set up two different CAS timings for to different sets of ram. If you can't find what you have in your computer now and want to upgrade to 2gs you will have to buy a MATCHED set of 1g x2.

[Major SONAR Profile]

Just to avoid potential problems, I always put in matched pairs. I'm not saying it won't work if you mix and match, I'm just saying I try to avoid any potential problems.

If I were you, I would try and match the same RAM I currently use. (or get totally new RAM). I would try and match the RAM as closely as possible (i.e. same manufacturer, same speed, same size, etc.), as my old RAM.

Do you have the slots to do that? Even if it's not the fastest configuration, it should work. Hope that helps.

[RCglider Profile]

Personally I don't think you'll have a problem, but I'd call Corsair and ask them. Don't waste your time with ECS. Otherwise, buy it and try.


You won't ever notice speed loss using 4 512's, nothing to be concerned about.

Go into the bios and set up timings manually.