How to Mix different brand ram together ??

[Malachitsai]

Ok I am just thinking of adding more RAM into my PC , currently running vista 32bit , I have 2GB of ram so far , the ram I am using now is

OCZ (OCZ2RPR10662GK) "OCZ" Reaper HPC DDR2 PC2-8500 CL5 2GB (2x1GB) Dual Channel Kit with EPP
1066MHz DDR2
EPP 5-5-5-15
- (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Available in 2GB (2x1024MB) Dual Channel Kits
Unbuffered
OCZ Lifetime Warranty
2.1 - 2.3** Volts
240 Pin DIMM

Special Features

- Patent-pending Reaper HPC Heatsink*
- EPP-Ready

Today I just got my Crucial Balastix Tracer PC2-8500 sent back to me , the thing is the RAM I sent back was a 2GB kit , but they gave me back two single 1GB and told me it should run duel channel. The Spec is

1GB, Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM (with LEDs), DDR2 PC2-8500 memory module
BL12864AL106A
Module Size: 1GB
Package: Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM (with LEDs)
Feature: DDR2 PC2-8500
Specs: DDR2 PC2-8500 • 5-5-5-15 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-1066 • 2.0V • 128Meg x 64 •

I put the two 1GB tracer ram into my mobo which is Gigabyte EP45-DS3L with my current OCZ ram , I encountered a blue screen just after the vista loading bar , and it restarted and then it just froze , so I took the tracer out then computer is back to normal.......hum.... are there any tips for mixing ram or should I just try sell it and get another 2GB OCZ kit

Please help ~ cheers

 

[theAnimal]

Running with 4 sticks puts more stress on the mobo, you may need to raise some voltages.

Try running with just the Crucial to see if it works ok.

 

[o1die]

Fry's.com has crucial pc6400 2x2gb for $39.99 with a $20 rebate, so the net cost is $19.99 with free shipping. It should work fine with your crucial pc8500. If you've raised your voltage for the 8500, the pc6400 may also run at the higher speed. It's worth a try; pc8500 sells for a premium. You may also be able to set the memory speed manually with the higher voltage setting.

 

[Malachitsai]

I just tried running the Crucial , it works , so what voltage setting should I set for over all ??

 

[Malachitsai]

nvm its okay , I will just sell it , I dont want to end up screwing up my computer up , I have tried raising the voltage from AUTO to 2.0 and slowely trying up to 2.3v it still either restart its self or doesnt get into windows

 

[Malachitsai]

HELP GUYS ! when I put it my normal OCZ ram back it and set the BIOS setting back to normal .......the first window boot went funny.....it would just keep loading on the desktop really slow , so I restarted and it was fine , but I ran prime95 , within 1 min it detect hardware failure , so I re test it again and it was fine.......What is wrong I regret doing the voltage test , I just want my computer to be fine and stable

 

[o1die]

I don't know why you're running prime 95. I never got my system to pass prime 95, even at the default settings. Skip prime 95. Try memtest. If the memory passes, leave the memory voltage alone. Run the memory voltage at the lowest setting that will pass memtest with your board. Let the board detect and decide what speed your ocz runs best at.

 

[Malachitsai]

oh I see , maybe I am just paranoid...... so I am guess prime95 isnt always right. anyway my system is fine ~ hopefully I can sell the tracer and buy another 2GB Kit of OCZ and add it to my system

 

[theAnimal]

oh I see , maybe I am just paranoid...... so I am guess prime95 isnt always right. anyway my system is fine ~ hopefully I can sell the tracer and buy another 2GB Kit of OCZ and add it to my system

I would actually sell both kits and buy a 2x2 instead.

 

[jitpublisher]

Best advice is DO NOT mix memory of different brands or speeds.
It may work, but more times than not, you will have problems.