Mixing and matching different latencies..

[GreatKratos]

At the moment I have 2GB of RAM and I was considering getting another couple of RAM modules to prop it up to 4GB of system memory.

As I went online I discovered the price for 2X2GB of RAM modules does not exceed the price of 2X1GB of RAM by much.

What I was wondering was whether I can buy the 2X2GB of RAM modules and use it with the memory I already have. The only difference between the modules would be the latency.

The existing RAM I have is 4-4-4-15 while the 2X2GB RAM modules are 5-5-5-18

The following is the RAM I have:

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Memory/DDR2/DDR2+800+(PC6400)/OCZ+2GB+PC2-6400+Platinum+Rev+2.0+(2x1GB)+?productId=26605

And the following is the RAM I would like to purchase.

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Memory/DDR2/DDR2+800+(PC6400)/OCZ+4GB+PC2-6400+Vista+Performance+Gold+(2x2GB)+?productId=29106

Thanks.

 

[alcattle]

Generally, yes. Same speed, then same voltage and then the latencies. It will run at the slowest setting but for most of us, we won't notice in normal use.

 

[MaDMagik]

In theory it should work, just the old sticks would run at the slower latencies of the new sticks. If it doesnt(ans there is always a possibility) you can always keep 2x2 and flog the 2x1

 

[GreatKratos]

Thanks guys appreciate it.

 

[leo2kp]

Keep in mind that you increase the chances of memory error when you mix and match like that. I just pulled out a 1GB stick of RAM from a laptop because it was causing problems with the new 2GB stick I threw in a couple days earlier.

 

[daft]

but when you install the 2x2, make sure that they are in the first 2 slots (closest to cpu) otherwise, the 2x1 may keep their default latencies and cause system crashes the second that any of the 2x2 is used