Is mixing of speed for RAM ok ?

windzstriker

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Hi guys,


My motherboard specs on memory:
4X240-pin DIMM sockets. Memory capacity 8GB
Support Dual Channel DDR2 533/ 667/ 800/ 1066 (by AM2+ CPU)



I have already used up 3 slots with the following RAMS.

1) KVR400X64C3A/512
2 & 3) KVR667D2N5/1G

I think I should take out the 512 RAM . Correct me if I am wrong ?

I am looking to upgrade to at least 4GB RAM. I am wondering if it is ok for me to buy "DDR2 800Mhz CL6 2GB" ?
Will it caus any conflict as my two other RAM that I wished to remain inside is of 667Mhz speed and of 1GB, not 2GB.

Since my motherboard supports Dual Channel, will installing only 3 RAMS lower the performance ?



My main concern is:
1) Will mixing the speed caus under performance ?
2) Will mixing the capacity of each RAM caus any issue ?
3) For my case, is Even number of RAM better than Odd number since it is Dual Channel supported ?


 

windzstriker

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should I ditch the old RAM and what combination will be best for my case if I wan at least 4GB RAM or preferably 6GB.

Actually will the jump from 667 to 800Mhz be any significant difference, is it obvious ?
 

sportsfanboy

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Ideally you want to populate 2 or 4 dimms so to run in dual channel mode. You can run for example, 2 1gb sticks in two slots, then 2 512mb in the other two, for 3gb dual channel. Or just 2x 1gb(dual channel) 4x 1gb(also dual channel) or the more common 2x2gb. Obviously you can run more than 4gb but it was just an example.

If your going to mix ram you will have to run both sets at the slower of the two. The speed, timings and voltage, of the slower of the ram sets will need to be set, or you risk running some of your ram out of specification, and that can run you into problems.

The difference between 667 and 800 is hardly noticeable, but maybe a worth while upgrade so you can match your ram and run 4gb. If you sell all your ram on ebay and find a relatively cheap set on a site like Newegg, you'll have a nice cheap upgrade.
 


ANS 1 - Yes, in the sense the slowest 'wins'; you do not get an average. Instread you get: Slowest Speed, Slowest CAS, Stability IF you're lucky, and you'll need to manually set everything...
ANS 2 - Capacity alone no issue.
ANS 3 - You always want MATCHED SETS of 2 in your case with MATCHING Speed, CAS, Voltage & Type. Dual & Quad Channel.

KVR400X64C3A/512 - http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=KVR400X64C3A/512
512MB 400MHz DDR Non-ECC CL3 (3-3-3) DIMM / (DDR, 2.6V, CL3, Gold)

KVR667D2N5/1G - http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=KVR667D2N5/1G
1GB 667MHz DDR2 Non-ECC CL5 DIMM / (DDR2, 1.8V, CL5)

Initial observation, the 512 is DDR and not DDR2! Since you did not list your MOBO, I would recommend if you want 4GB is to purchase a matched-set {KVR667D2N5/1G} 4 total.
 

windzstriker

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I intend to make it 6GB of RAM in total, so I will ditch the 512 and get 2 more 2GB RAM.

so it will be altogether 6GB in total, keeping the old 2X 667mhz 1GB RAM

Now my next question is whether 667mhz and 800mhz, will I see any significant difference ?
 
I would reread ANS 1. Imagine if half you brain processed faster & slower, reacted quicker & slower and needed less or more energy -> you'd become crazy and erratic...

Example:
667 MHz 5-5-5-24 @ 2.6V
800 MHz 6-6-6-22 @ 1.8V
==================
667 MHz 6-6-6-24 @ 2.2V <== WORST of each

The 'difference' is equally as bad. The manually CLEARLY states same Speed, CAS timings, Voltage and Type (incl chips/side). Your attempts at 'savings' = 'waste.' There's NO advantages, and ALL disadvantages.

Good Luck!