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What exactly has to match when upgrading RAM?

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - What exactly has to match when upgrading RAM?

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jwhicks727   03-22-2007 at 09:25:34 PM

I realize that when adding new RAM you need to match it to the old RAM. Unfortunately, it looks like the RAM I have installed right now (OCZ Gold PC4000 2x1GB 3-4-3-8) is no longer available anywhere. Is it possible to upgrade with some other RAM that has the same specifications, and if so, which specifications need to be matched? Bandwidth? Timings?

For example, could I add Corsair PC4000 2x1GB 3-4-4-8, or would the difference in timings be a problem?

Here's my other specs:
Opteron 165
DFI Lanparty nf4 UT
eVGA 7800GT
WD Raptor 150
2xSeagate 250

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Assman   03-23-2007 at 03:25:06 AM
- 0 +

get the ram with the same voltage and timings as your olg one

Reply to Assman
RobsX2   03-23-2007 at 04:07:22 AM
- 0 +

Quote :

I realize that when adding new RAM you need to match it to the old RAM. Unfortunately, it looks like the RAM I have installed right now (OCZ Gold PC4000 2x1GB 3-4-3-8) is no longer available anywhere. Is it possible to upgrade with some other RAM that has the same specifications, and if so, which specifications need to be matched? Bandwidth? Timings?

For example, could I add Corsair PC4000 2x1GB 3-4-4-8, or would the difference in timings be a problem?

Here's my other specs:
Opteron 165
DFI Lanparty nf4 UT
eVGA 7800GT
WD Raptor 150
2xSeagate 250




You should be able to manually adjust the ram timings in your bios but most importantly you need to check your Motherboards list of recommended memory for your board.

Reply to RobsX2
Mondoman   03-23-2007 at 05:31:21 AM
- 0 +

Quote :

... Is it possible to upgrade with some other RAM that has the same specifications, and if so, which specifications need to be matched? Bandwidth? Timings?

For example, could I add Corsair PC4000 2x1GB 3-4-4-8, or would the difference in timings be a problem?...


The Corsair PC4000 you mention should be no problem. The system will just run all the RAM at the speed/timings of the slowest installed RAM, and with both having PC-4000 speed and CL3 timing, the slight slowdown to 3 4 4 8 shouldn't be noticeable..

Reply to Mondoman
jwhicks727   03-23-2007 at 03:32:04 PM
- 0 +

Quote :

The Corsair PC4000 you mention should be no problem. The system will just run all the RAM at the speed/timings of the slowest installed RAM, and with both having PC-4000 speed and CL3 timing, the slight slowdown to 3 4 4 8 shouldn't be noticeable..



I bought some OCZ Platinum PC3200 2-3-2-7 RAM without thinking, and it won't work though. The system boots with either my old RAM installed or the new RAM, but not with both. Any thoughts as to why?

Reply to jwhicks727
Detson   03-23-2007 at 04:15:34 PM
- 0 +

Maybe the system is having trouble autodetecting the proper timings? Perhaps you could boot with one stick and manually set them to match the higher numbers.

Reply to Detson
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