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Can both DDR2 & DDR3 ram be used together with an AM3 cpu on an ASRock 960GC-GS FX motherboard?

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  • Motherboards
  • DDR2
  • RAM
  • CPUs
  • ASrock
Last response: in Motherboards
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September 1, 2014 10:16:00 PM

I purchased an ASRock 960GC-GS FX motherboard to use with my Athlon X2 7750 BE 2.7 GHz cpu and 4gb ddr2 ram because my ASUS M4N78 Pro motherboard is on the way out. The onboard SATA controller died so I am currently using a PCIe SATA III controller card with my SATA drives, however the computer is still slow/acting oddly so I bought the ASRock motherboard to replace it.

This motherboard supports AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+ cpu's and both DDR2 and DDR3 ram in different slots depending on the processor used. I know that AM3 cpu's can work with both DDR2 and DDR3 ram but I was wondering if this motherboard can use both DDR2 and DDR3 ram together when using an AM3 cpu?

Any replies would be appreciated.

More about : ddr2 ddr3 ram am3 cpu asrock 960gc motherboard

Anonymous
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September 1, 2014 10:19:41 PM

No. It's one or the other. Choose DDR3 for max FSB aka HT speeds (most of the time.) DDR2 I think topped out around 1333 for some expensive modules.
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September 1, 2014 10:24:06 PM

as mentioned above, no, it's either but not both. get the ddr3, ddr2's are more expensive and slower
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September 1, 2014 10:26:10 PM

The CPU doesn't support DDR3 I'm afraid and even if it does and the Mobo does then you'll be using the bandwidth of the DDR2 RAm which is very slow so you're better off buying DDR3 RAM then.

Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)
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September 1, 2014 11:19:20 PM

Anonymous said:
No. It's one or the other. Choose DDR3 for max FSB aka HT speeds (most of the time.) DDR2 I think topped out around 1333 for some expensive modules.

Cons29 said:
as mentioned above, no, it's either but not both. get the ddr3, ddr2's are more expensive and slower

As I stated in my post, I already have 4GB of DDR2 ram. I plan on first upgraging my AM2+ cpu with an AM3 cpu but still use my DDR2 ram, then later buy some DDR3 ram.

TopLuca said:
The CPU doesn't support DDR3 I'm afraid and even if it does and the Mobo does then you'll be using the bandwidth of the DDR2 RAm which is very slow so you're better off buying DDR3 RAM then.

Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)

AM3 cpu's do support DDR3. The motherboard has both DDR2 and DDR3 dimms; you can use either depending on the cpu used. I was thinking that if I got an AM3 cpu and bought 4gb of DDR3 ram, I could use both my 4gb of DDR2 and 4gb of new DDR3 for 8gb of total ram. I figure that 8gb of mixed ram running at DDR2 speeds would be better/faster than just running 4gb of DDR3 alone.
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September 1, 2014 11:23:17 PM

VanSpensa said:
Anonymous said:
No. It's one or the other. Choose DDR3 for max FSB aka HT speeds (most of the time.) DDR2 I think topped out around 1333 for some expensive modules.

Cons29 said:
as mentioned above, no, it's either but not both. get the ddr3, ddr2's are more expensive and slower

As I stated in my post, I already have 4GB of DDR2 ram. I plan on first upgraging my AM2+ cpu with an AM3 cpu but still use my DDR2 ram, then later buy some DDR3 ram.

TopLuca said:
The CPU doesn't support DDR3 I'm afraid and even if it does and the Mobo does then you'll be using the bandwidth of the DDR2 RAm which is very slow so you're better off buying DDR3 RAM then.

Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)

AM3 cpu's do support DDR3. The motherboard has both DDR2 and DDR3 dimms; you can use either depending on the cpu used. I was thinking that if I got an AM3 cpu and bought 4gb of DDR3 ram, I could use both my 4gb of DDR2 and 4gb of new DDR3 for 8gb of total ram. I figure that 8gb of mixed ram running at DDR2 speeds would be better/faster than just running 4gb of DDR3 alone.


On the manufacturer website it said that it only supports DDR2 , I don't really know . 8Gb of Mixed ram is going to be slower than 4 GB of DDR3 alone.
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September 1, 2014 11:32:43 PM

either, but not both. i have not seen a board that can run both at the same time
from asrock website:

*DDR3 and DDR2 are supported separately.

**DDR3 memory is only supported by installing AM3/AM3+ CPU.

***Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 32-bit OS. For Windows® 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.

****DDR2 memory is only supported by installing AM2/AM2+/AM3 CPU.

*****Support with AM3 / AM2+ CPU.
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Anonymous
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September 1, 2014 11:33:47 PM

Lets stay on topic, the question was can DDR2 and DDR3 be used simultaneously. We have a answer that NO. It's CAN NOT be. Any arguing over the specifics of whatever MB or CPU the OP has should be asked in a more specifically worded question. OP, just choose a best answer and move on with life.
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September 1, 2014 11:58:40 PM

TopLuca said:
On the manufacturer website it said that it only supports DDR2 , I don't really know . 8Gb of Mixed ram is going to be slower than 4 GB of DDR3 alone.

From the ASRock 960GC-GS FX motherboard spec page..

"- Support up to 95W Socket AM3+ processors
- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD Phenom™ II X6 / X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron processors
- Support for Socket AM2+ / AM2 processors: AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core / Athlon X2 Dual-Core / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor

- Dual Channel DDR3/DDR2 Memory Technology*
- 2 x DDR3 DIMM Slots**
- Supports DDR3 1866(OC)/1600(OC)/1333/1066 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB***
- 2 x DDR2 DIMM Slots****
- Supports DDR2 1066*****/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 8GB***

*DDR3 and DDR2 are supported separately.
**DDR3 memory is only supported by installing AM3/AM3+ CPU.
***Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 32-bit OS. For Windows® 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
****DDR2 memory is only supported by installing AM2/AM2+/AM3 CPU.
*****Support with AM3 / AM2+ CPU.

It does say that DDR2 and DDR3 are supported separetly but I was hoping that if an AM3 cpu was used then both would be supported.

I guess the only advantage of having 8gb of DDR2 over 4gb of DDR3 would be if I were running applications that would utilize more than 4gb; otherwise the 4gb of DDR3 would be better/faster for every day use and playing games. 8gb is probally overkill anyway for what I need.
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September 2, 2014 12:07:39 AM

as i have mentioned, i have yet to see a board that can run BOTH at the same time.
if you have a 4gb stick, just get another 4gb, then sell the ddr2.
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September 2, 2014 12:10:22 AM

VanSpensa said:
TopLuca said:
On the manufacturer website it said that it only supports DDR2 , I don't really know . 8Gb of Mixed ram is going to be slower than 4 GB of DDR3 alone.

From the ASRock 960GC-GS FX motherboard spec page..

"- Support up to 95W Socket AM3+ processors
- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD Phenom™ II X6 / X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron processors
- Support for Socket AM2+ / AM2 processors: AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core / Athlon X2 Dual-Core / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor

- Dual Channel DDR3/DDR2 Memory Technology*
- 2 x DDR3 DIMM Slots**
- Supports DDR3 1866(OC)/1600(OC)/1333/1066 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB***
- 2 x DDR2 DIMM Slots****
- Supports DDR2 1066*****/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 8GB***

*DDR3 and DDR2 are supported separately.
**DDR3 memory is only supported by installing AM3/AM3+ CPU.
***Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 32-bit OS. For Windows® 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
****DDR2 memory is only supported by installing AM2/AM2+/AM3 CPU.
*****Support with AM3 / AM2+ CPU.

It does say that DDR2 and DDR3 are supported separetly but I was hoping that if an AM3 cpu was used then both would be supported.

I guess the only advantage of having 8gb of DDR2 over 4gb of DDR3 would be if I were running applications that would utilize more than 4gb; otherwise the 4gb of DDR3 would be better/faster for every day use and playing games. 8gb is probally overkill anyway for what I need.


What I am taking about isn't the motherboard , I am talking about the CPU itself supporting DDR3 memory. Just like what's happening right now when you can't use DDR4 except on distinct CPUs and specific mobos .

According to the Reviews for the CPU that it only Supports DDR2 ( CPU ) :
INTEGRATED DDR2 DRAM MEMORY CONTROLLER
The AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 Quad-core processor is integrated with a DDR2 DRAM memory controller capable of supporting registered and ECC DRAM. The integrated memory controller changes the way the processor accesses main memory, resulting in increased bandwidth, reduced memory latencies, and enhanced processor performance.

N.B : they also lack the DDR3 memory controller so even if you got it in it wouldnt be able to talk to the RAM.
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September 2, 2014 12:29:12 AM

Cons29 said:
as i have mentioned, i have yet to see a board that can run BOTH at the same time.
if you have a 4gb stick, just get another 4gb, then sell the ddr2.

I do not currently have an AM3 cpu or any DDR3 ram. I was just hoping that by upgrading my cpu to an AM3 cpu (which supports both ddr2 and ddr3) that I would be able to use my current 4gb ddr2 ram and add 4gb of ddr3 for a butload of ram since the motherboard has both ddr2 and ddr3 slots. I'll probally just upgrade my cpu first to an am3 using my old ddr2 ram then later get the ddr3 ram and take out the ddr2 ram.

Anyway, thanks for the input.
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September 2, 2014 12:38:39 AM

Alright there's no shame in being proven wrong I guess , according to my research it will Support DDR3 RAM when placed in an AM3 Socket

"Athlon II X2 CPUs integrate memory controller that works with DDR3 and DDR2 memory. DDR3 memory is supported only when the processors are used in socket AM3 motherboards"

Source : http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/printpage/All-Athlon-64-...

However Its not possible to run both DDR3 and DDR2 at the same time as they use different Memory controllers , even though the motherboard supports it but it can only use one memory controller at a time so Its either DDR3 or DDR2.
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September 2, 2014 12:43:58 AM

TopLuca said:
VanSpensa said:
TopLuca said:
On the manufacturer website it said that it only supports DDR2 , I don't really know . 8Gb of Mixed ram is going to be slower than 4 GB of DDR3 alone.

From the ASRock 960GC-GS FX motherboard spec page..

"- Support up to 95W Socket AM3+ processors
- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD Phenom™ II X6 / X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron processors
- Support for Socket AM2+ / AM2 processors: AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core / Athlon X2 Dual-Core / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor

- Dual Channel DDR3/DDR2 Memory Technology*
- 2 x DDR3 DIMM Slots**
- Supports DDR3 1866(OC)/1600(OC)/1333/1066 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB***
- 2 x DDR2 DIMM Slots****
- Supports DDR2 1066*****/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 8GB***

*DDR3 and DDR2 are supported separately.
**DDR3 memory is only supported by installing AM3/AM3+ CPU.
***Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 32-bit OS. For Windows® 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
****DDR2 memory is only supported by installing AM2/AM2+/AM3 CPU.
*****Support with AM3 / AM2+ CPU.

It does say that DDR2 and DDR3 are supported separetly but I was hoping that if an AM3 cpu was used then both would be supported.

I guess the only advantage of having 8gb of DDR2 over 4gb of DDR3 would be if I were running applications that would utilize more than 4gb; otherwise the 4gb of DDR3 would be better/faster for every day use and playing games. 8gb is probally overkill anyway for what I need.


What I am taking about isn't the motherboard , I am talking about the CPU itself supporting DDR3 memory. Just like what's happening right now when you can't use DDR4 except on distinct CPUs and specific mobos .

According to the Reviews for the CPU that it only Supports DDR2 ( CPU ) :
INTEGRATED DDR2 DRAM MEMORY CONTROLLER
The AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 Quad-core processor is integrated with a DDR2 DRAM memory controller capable of supporting registered and ECC DRAM. The integrated memory controller changes the way the processor accesses main memory, resulting in increased bandwidth, reduced memory latencies, and enhanced processor performance.

N.B : they also lack the DDR3 memory controller so even if you got it in it wouldnt be able to talk to the RAM.


I'm afraid you haven't understood my question. I know that my current AM2+ cpu, the AMD Athlon X2 7750 BE 2.7 GHz Dual-Core (not quad-core) does not support DDR3 ram.....I was asking about the DDR2/DDR3 ram of the motherboard after upgrading to an AM3 cpu. AM3 cpu's have controllers for both DDR2 and DDR3 ram.

Anyway thanks for the reply.

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September 2, 2014 12:48:20 AM

VanSpensa said:
Cons29 said:
as i have mentioned, i have yet to see a board that can run BOTH at the same time.
if you have a 4gb stick, just get another 4gb, then sell the ddr2.

I do not currently have an AM3 cpu or any DDR3 ram. I was just hoping that by upgrading my cpu to an AM3 cpu (which supports both ddr2 and ddr3) that I would be able to use my current 4gb ddr2 ram and add 4gb of ddr3 for a butload of ram since the motherboard has both ddr2 and ddr3 slots. I'll probally just upgrade my cpu first to an am3 using my old ddr2 ram then later get the ddr3 ram and take out the ddr2 ram.

Anyway, thanks for the input.


do this and you are golden

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September 2, 2014 12:52:26 AM

TopLuca said:
Alright there's no shame in being proven wrong I guess , according to my research it will Support DDR3 RAM when placed in an AM3 Socket

"Athlon II X2 CPUs integrate memory controller that works with DDR3 and DDR2 memory. DDR3 memory is supported only when the processors are used in socket AM3 motherboards"

Source : http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/printpage/All-Athlon-64-...

However Its not possible to run both DDR3 and DDR2 at the same time as they use different Memory controllers , even though the motherboard supports it but it can only use one memory controller at a time so Its either DDR3 or DDR2.

I was just hoping that because the motherboard supports AM3 cpu's and has both DDR2/3 ram slots that I would be able to use some new DDR3 with my old DDR2, but I guess that is not the case. Like you said it appears to be one or the other not both. I'll just upgrade the cpu first and keep my old DDR2 ram and upgrade to DDR3 later.

Again, thanks for the reply
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September 2, 2014 1:03:06 AM

Your always welcome.
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!