The most basic of questions

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hawgwash

hawgwash

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Nov 7, 2013
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4 slots.
1 & 3 have 1GB each
2 & 4 are empty

I have a spare (compatible) 1GB stick. Can I add it to slot 2, leaving slot 4 empty?
 
Solution
Aaayron
Well, the basic answer would be yes. But the performance depends on what motherboard you have. If it's LGA 1366, then you're fine. Better even. But if it's LGA 1155, 1150, AM3+ etc. then the ram will stop working in dual channel and be forced to work in single channel mode. That's going to reduce performance and speed. Best to leave it at 2 stcks on slots 1 and 3. Maybe buy 2 4gb sticks if you must upgrade your ram.
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Shaun o

Shaun o

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Oct 7, 2007
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Well yes you could fit it, so your memory goes to 3Gb.

But the problem is the first two stick will be running in dual channel mode.
when you insert the third although you will have 3Gb of memory.

The memory controller of the motherboard will force its self into single channel mode.

The result is things will be a little slower.
 
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Aaayron

Aaayron

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Oct 16, 2013
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Well, the basic answer would be yes. But the performance depends on what motherboard you have. If it's LGA 1366, then you're fine. Better even. But if it's LGA 1155, 1150, AM3+ etc. then the ram will stop working in dual channel and be forced to work in single channel mode. That's going to reduce performance and speed. Best to leave it at 2 stcks on slots 1 and 3. Maybe buy 2 4gb sticks if you must upgrade your ram.
 
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Solution
hawgwash

hawgwash

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Nov 7, 2013
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Thanks to both of you.
MB is (don't laugh) ASUS P5LD2-VM
LGA 775 so I guess I can't do it.
Hate to leave the extra stick sitting in a drawer, so how about I just get a fourth 1GB stick to put in slot 4?
.
 
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hawgwash

hawgwash

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Nov 7, 2013
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Ok, so the basic question gets more involved.
Would 2 X 2GB cause just as much "stress on the memory controller" as 4 x 1GB?

My PC habits don't warrant getting rid of a well runnig, allbeit old, system just because XP is going to die. I'd rather do a cheap tweak on it, move to W7 and hope to get by until MS comes up with a better option that W8/8.1. I'm already long in the tooth so maybe I won't see that day anyway.


 
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