Can I use 1600MHz and 1333MHz together in laptop

[pun33t]

I bought a laptop which came with 2GB DDR3 RAM - 1600MHz installed.

I am getting a good deal on 4GB DDR3 RAM - 1333MHz. Is there any problem in using different frequency of RAM?

Also, if it is ok to use 1333MHz will there be any performance degradation.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

First very few notebook's allow for OC'ing RAM greater than the CPU's default IMC 'SPD' and if you're thinking about mixing both the 2GB DDR3-1600 together with a 4GB DDR3-1333 then I never advise mixing different Frequency & CAS RAM together. Further, >4GB RAM requires a 64-bit OS.

You can see what 'SPD' your current RAM is running using CPU-z and look at the 'Memory' (tab); e.g. DRAM Frequency = 800MHz (DDR3-1600) or 667MHz (DDR3-1333). CPU-z - http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Q - What Notebook?
Q - What OS?

 

[pun33t]

Hi Jaquith,

Thanks for the reply. I am using Toshiba Satellite C850-X0100.

You can check the configuration of my laptop in the below link.
http://www.toshiba-india.com/laptop/satellite-c850-i5-viewmodel.html

It has i5 - 3210 - 3rd generation.

I am using windows 8 right now. 64Bit. Planning to dual boot with Fedora or SUSE

Will be mostly doing development work so thought it will be good to add 4GB more.

In CPU-z, SPD is showing 2 slots and DRAM Frequency ~ 798 [Not sure if you asked for it.]

Thanks again.

 

[jaquith]

The i5-3210M can support DDR3-1600 by default, and according to what you posted you're running at DDR3-1600 (798*2 = 1600 appx).

Again, I wouldn't mix DDR3-1600 & DDR3-1333 so if the deal is good then get (8GB) 2x4GB DDR3-1333. The difference is negligible.

 

[pun33t]

Thanks Jaquith...I think that answer my question. I'll try to go with 2x4GB 1333 or will add up a 4GB 1600