Can i add a different sized RAM stick?

[shamslam]

Hello! I recently got 4GB(2x2GB sticks) of memory for my computer. Previously, I had 2GB (2x1GB sticks).

So I replaced the 1 gig sticks with the 2 gig sticks. When I was installing it, I think i remembered reading that you aren't supposed to have different sized ram sticks in the computer or something so I opted to not put the 1 gig sticks back in.

Now I am wondering if I actually made that story up and if my computer could have an extra 2 gigs of RAM.

So will it be a problem if I add the other RAM sticks?

Here are the parts in case that matters:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034 (2gig)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184 (4gig)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188019 (motherboard)

 

[hpdeskjet]

Looks like it should work. The Corsair RAM look to be similar enough. If you are using Windows 7 32-bit though, anything past 4GB won't be recognized.

 

[Supermuncher85]

There was an article on this a while back though I can't remember where. But I remember the summary basically being this: If the extra ram is utilized, then the extra ram benefit will outweigh any speed decrease that might occur by not using it.

 

[hpdeskjet]

I just took a closer look and noticed that the RAM have different voltages and timings. That might cause some problems.

 

[shamslam]

oh... rats!

i guess i won't add it then... what kind of damage could it do?

 

[Ubrales]

There was an article on this a while back though I can't remember where. But I remember the summary basically being this: If the extra ram is utilized, then the extra ram benefit will outweigh any speed decrease that might occur by not using it.

You are right on what you read. A few months ago I had opened a thread and asked a similar question, and what you stated was the consensus.

 

[kitsunestarwind]

Yep it's not optimal but it works fine though

 

[shamslam]

Best answer selected by shamslam.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr