Have DDR2 2x2GB want to add 2x more -- can I mix?

matmcnic · Mar 18, 2014

Hi --

System:
Asus P5WDH Delux with 2x2GB DDR2 PC6400 CL4, 4-4-4-12 (operating at PC2-5300) (64-bit OS)

Desired upgrade:
I want to add 2x2GB more to get a total of 8GB

Problem/Question:
The chips I have are no longer manufactured.
My current chips are G.SKIL F2-6400CL4D-4GBHK
I see there is a very similar set with almost same part number available: F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK
Both models are PC6400 CL4, 4-4-4-12 but the one I have is 1.8-1.9v and the available one is 2.0-2.1v

Can I add a pair of the new similar ones or do I need to buy 4 new ones that all match?

Thank you!

fricklesmn · Mar 18, 2014

Hello matmcnic,

Since you are underclocking (kind of being they operate at PC2-5300 speeds) it has a high probability of detecting and booting, however stability would be the concern as the 2nd pair are higher voltage. make a MemtestX86 Bootable CD and run overnight, watching for the first hour or so for errors. Your mileage may vary...

Good Luck

corroded · Mar 18, 2014

the RAM, if not equal, will normally run at the lowest common settings the system can use. As long as it is the same value (PC6400) and you bank them in like banks, it should be fine

bgunner · Mar 18, 2014

Some times you can add but there is always a chance they will not play nice together. I have had good luck and have been able to do what you want but there are many that have had issues. For safety reasons it is better to get them all at once in one package. But If you want to roll the dice you can try what your suggesting then if it does not play nice you can order more.

matmcnic · Mar 19, 2014

I want to make sure I am asking the question correctly so let me add some info here...

I have 4 slots on my P5WDH Deluxe (64 bit OS).
2 Orange (A1, B1) and 2 Black (A2, B2).
You are supposed to put a pair in the orange and a pair in the black.

I currently have a matched pair, 2x2GB in the orange.
I want to add another matched pair in the black.

I understand the sticks in each pair must be matched...
but do all 4 have to be matched to all 4?
Or do you just have to ensure the match is the same within a given pair (so I have one matched pair and another different matched pair and the two pairs then coexist)?
Note I am always keeping the same timings in all 4.

Now if all 4 must match, then I have to buy 4 new sticks since I can't get 2 new ones to match the existing 2 old ones.
But if that is true then it makes me wonder... how then could anyone ever put say 6GB (to do that they would need a pair 2x2GB and another pair 2x1GB which could be matched pairs but not all four matching)?

One other thing... when I look to buy DRAM I see people selling matched pairs but I don't see them selling sets of 4 -- so if I buy 2 matched pairs how do I know all 4 match?

Thank you!

bgunner · Mar 19, 2014

like I said in my last post, sometimes you can mix ram and have no issues but sometimes you end up with 2 pairs that will not work together. This is why it is recommended to put the same ram in each slot to help insure compatibility.

if you are set on going to 8 GB, buy the new set and try it. If they are not compatible then sell the older set and buy another set of the new ones.

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Have DDR2 2x2GB want to add 2x more -- can I mix?

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