RAM Question

[PraiseA||ah]

You can mix and match timings. The lower timed RAM will set the limit for the faster timing ram. So if you mix and match timings the faster will be limited by the slower. You can always choose 'automatic' configuration in the BIOS for RAM timings. I think it would be best to pair them though so you don't mix the banks.
Anyway, I've read a few articles that the faster timings are mostly just marketing hype anyway. In real world scenerios you won't notice any difference.

[cavalierlwt]

I notice that when I add a single chip of ram (ddr 400) to what I currently have 2x512 dual channel ddr400 corsairs, everything drops down to single channel ddr 333. I have an Asus A8N-SLI mobo, I'm not sure if it only allows DDR400 if the chips are place in a dual channel config or what. I tried two diff sticks of ram (from a friend) same result. Odd number of ram= DDR 333 for me.

[PraiseA||ah]

Originally posted by cavalierlwt
I notice that when I add a single chip of ram (ddr 400) to what I currently have 2x512 dual channel ddr400 corsairs, everything drops down to single channel ddr 333. I have an Asus A8N-SLI mobo, I'm not sure if it only allows DDR400 if the chips are place in a dual channel config or what. I tried two diff sticks of ram (from a friend) same result. Odd number of ram= DDR 333 for me.

You have to add dual channel ram in pairs of sticks. e.g. 2x512, 2x1gb etc. That's what the name 'dual' refers to I believe.

[cavalierlwt]

I guess I was hoping for a single channel DDR 400 mode, but no big deal.

[Conscious*]

I just boguht the RAM, if it doesn't work I'll RMA it back.

[Omen]

It isn't the point if it will work or not (well yes & no). The point is you will not get the speed you paid for. Mixed ram will not run at the speed it should if you had a set that was matched, the bios isn't set up to run different timings on different sticks. I am telling you, you will/could run into memory errors. Ram is made to run at the timings it was designed for. If you force (auto settings in bios) 2 new sticks to run at a lower or higher speed to match the other set you are looking for the “Blue Screen Of Death” (memory error crash). Good luck.

[RCglider]

Originally posted by PraiseA||ah

Anyway, I've read a few articles that the faster timings are mostly just marketing hype anyway. In real world scenerios you won't notice any difference.

Exactly.
He doesn't want to spend $200 just so he can say his rig has "matched mega speed" ram.

Unless you are into oc'ing and benchmarks, buying the expensive ram is a waste of money.

[Major SONAR]

Originally posted by RCglider

Unless you are into oc'ing and benchmarks, buying the expensive ram is a waste of money.

I agree. Still, I buy identical types of ram to avoid any potential problems. You don't have to buy the most expensive ram. Value ram works just as well.

I dont' have dual channel, bought my Mobo beforeit was available.
But if I go past 1.5GB (up to 3GB) it will drop th speed from DDR400 to DDR333.

[Darknut]

You should avoid mixing RAM. You should purchase what you arleady have in your system. Mixing RAM leads to errors such as crashing, freezing and degraded performance.

Your RAM will run only as fast as the slowest stick in there. Your 2CAS will run at 2.5CAS. You probably won't see a performance gain if you mix your RAM. Of course I am assuming that your motherboard is "smart" enough to handle the differences automatically otherwise you may need to change the timings manually.

Originally posted by Darknut
You should avoid mixing RAM. You should purchase what you arleady have in your system. Mixing RAM leads to errors such as crashing, freezing and degraded performance.

Your RAM will run only as fast as the slowest stick in there. Your 2CAS will run at 2.5CAS. You probably won't see a performance gain if you mix your RAM. Of course I am assuming that your motherboard is "smart" enough to handle the differences automatically otherwise you may need to change the timings manually.

Just buy your ram in bunches. Figure out what you got now
Like 512x4
If you want to upgrade to 3GB you just got to
buy 1GBx2

[PraiseA||ah]

Originally posted by LordShard
Just buy your ram in bunches. Figure out what you got now
Like 512x4
If you want to upgrade to 3GB you just got to
buy 1GBx2

You should not upgrade AMD 64 chipsets single banks at a time. You will lose one of the speed advantages of that system. Always upgrade in pairs of memory sticks.

[PraiseA||ah]

Originally posted by Darknut
You should avoid mixing RAM. You should purchase what you arleady have in your system. Mixing RAM leads to errors such as crashing, freezing and degraded performance.

That is not true. I posted an article before which explained in technical detail that it was ok to mix RAM speed.

I agree with the rest of what you said.

Originally posted by PraiseA||ah
You should not upgrade AMD 64 chipsets single banks at a time. You will lose one of the speed advantages of that system. Always upgrade in pairs of memory sticks.

ROFL, yoru full of shit. I only have 3 slots. It also says to be careful how you upgrade in teh manual because more than 512 in each slot will lower the clock speed.

[PraiseA||ah]

Originally posted by LordShard
ROFL, yoru full of shit. I only have 3 slots. It also says to be careful how you upgrade in teh manual because more than 512 in each slot will lower the clock speed.

No, what I said was true. You may not have a motherboard that supports that function or maybe it was an early edition or maybe a low end one. Hmm.. Perhaps you have socket 754 and not 939. Those are possible reasons I can think of off the top of my head. You need to install pairs of Dual DDR to get the benefit.

Here is an article you may find helpful.

http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Memory/Dual-Channel/