Combining Different Memory Brands?

quasipredator

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Hello,

So I have an aging computer, Ive done every upgrade I could to keep her current and I'm at my limits here. Ive been trying to find the same memory I have now to take me from 4gb to 8gb. I'm finding sticks that are around $80! for 5 year old memory! To me I might as well save that for a more current system. However I see other brand sticks going for a bit less money.
Current OCZ RAM

What are the rules for combining different brand sticks, can I just adjust timing to make them compatible?

Thanks


 
Solution
you can use different sticks, but they will not run in what is known as dual channel mode. they do however have to be the same speed, It is generally a good principle to follow to match ram. Saving that bit of money is not worth the decreased speed and possible incompatabilites in speed. you can put them in there, but it doesnt mean they will work at normal speeds.
also, it's not just matching the same brand, but you need to match the exact product code, so likely you are looking at a newer version of your current memory
you can use different sticks, but they will not run in what is known as dual channel mode. they do however have to be the same speed, It is generally a good principle to follow to match ram. Saving that bit of money is not worth the decreased speed and possible incompatabilites in speed. you can put them in there, but it doesnt mean they will work at normal speeds.
also, it's not just matching the same brand, but you need to match the exact product code, so likely you are looking at a newer version of your current memory
 
Solution

quasipredator

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Well I actually did buy 2 of the same sticks about 6 months ago but I would get random BSOD when I had them installed. I Also ran mem tests and reported back errors when I had the new sticks in. And it didn't matter if I had 1 or the other in they both seemed problematic. So in my experience it sounds like I get bad sticks right?
 

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
As mentioned, even the same exact model can be problematic, that's why there's such a variety of sets available, sticks in a packaged set are tested to play together...what's the model number might be able to make adjustments to get them to play nice
 

quasipredator

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Just bumped my north bridge .025 (lowest increase available) I did notice though my ddr2 sticks report only 1.95 volts when I'm sure they are rated at 2.2? should I try and increase the ddr2 modules? Thank you!

Also just the north bridge increase and still BSODing.
 

quasipredator

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Ok so I bumped them up to 2.2v and played BF4 for a while then crash.... Here are my voltages and info

NB 1.325 +.025
DDR2 2.2 +.35
CPU NB 1.225 +.050
CPU Volt 1.475 +.125

Mem Clock 1000mhz
 

quasipredator

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I think I nailed it! The timings were wrong, Default were 5-5-5-15 and they should of been 5-5-5-18. Have been running this all day long with no issues! Thanks again for all your help now I have 8gigs and can squeeze some much needed life out of her! Thanks!