Basic question on adding & matching system memory

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J

JP

Is it sufficient to match the speed (i.e. PC2700 with PC2700 or PC4200 with
PC4200) and type: single-sided/double-sided, single-channel/dual-channel,
CAS, DDR1/DDR2....? I understand that the speed has to be the first to match
but what else, and in what order, do the other parameters need to be
matched?

Regards and thanks in anticipation.

JP
---
 
You cannot mix DDR and DDR2 Ram. You can mix PC2700 and PC4200 though
it would be foolish to do so since the
faster Ram would run at the slower rams speed. If you use dual channel
ram it must be done so in pairs. You can mix
single side and double side. I have that configuration in my system.
Two PC2100 256MB modules, one double sided and
one single.
 
JP said:
Is it sufficient to match the speed (i.e. PC2700 with PC2700 or PC4200 with
PC4200) and type: single-sided/double-sided, single-channel/dual-channel,
CAS, DDR1/DDR2....? I understand that the speed has to be the first to match
but what else, and in what order, do the other parameters need to be
matched?

Regards and thanks in anticipation.

JP
---
Click to expand...

Best practice is to have matching sticks if possible. The better you
can match, the greater your chances of them working correctly. If you
have non-matched sticks, then the behavior is dictated by the
motherboard, and it's a craps shoot on how well it works Fortunately,
it usually works well, but there is often odd behavior associated with
non-matching ram.

You should further be aware of the Processor's Front side bus, PC2100
runs at 133 MHZ ("effective clock" is 266) , and pc2700 at 166 and so
on. You should have ram that meets or exceeds the fsb (On athlons, p4s
do some cheating with their fsb rating)
 
Thanks very much for the helpful and informative responses. They will make
my project mush easier now!

Regards and thanks again.

JP
 
JP said:
Is it sufficient to match the speed (i.e. PC2700 with PC2700 or PC4200 with
PC4200) and type: single-sided/double-sided, single-channel/dual-channel,
CAS, DDR1/DDR2....? I understand that the speed has to be the first to
match
but what else, and in what order, do the other parameters need to be
matched?

Regards and thanks in anticipation.

JP
---
Click to expand...


It is absolutely essential that any new RAM module(s) be fully
compatible with both the motherboard and/or any other RAM module(s)
already in the system. Additionally, there are sometimes jumper
switches on older motherboards that need to be reset for new RAM
configurations. Consult your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's
web site for specific instructions and compatibility requirements.

If you cannot lay your hands upon the computer's manual and the
manufacturer doesn't provide a support web site, Crucial Memory's web
site (www.crucial.com) has a database to help to find the right RAM for
your specific make and model computer and/or motherboard.


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Bruce Chambers

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