How important is it to use matched memory?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Martin C
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Martin C

I am currently in the process of putting together my requirements for a new
PC build to replace my ageing one.
For budget reasons, I am going for the following:

ASUS A8N5X motherboard,
AMD Athlon 64 3200
1 GB RAM
Geforce 6800GS Graphics card

I have been told that I should be using matched memory modules for best
results - agreed.
However, I have also been told that this is only really required if I want
to overclock everything as matched memory will handle this better.

I WILL probably overclock (at a later date, once I know that everything is
stable), but probably not by much. I like to try and get value for money, so
extra oomph from the hardware would be a good thing, but I also tend to play
it safe. This means that I will tweak things a bit, but inherently want a
more stable system rather than get everything I can out of it with possible
sacrifices.

Hence the question. Do I really need to consider getting matched pairs of
memory (2x512M) or should I save the extra pennies and go for just two
modules of 512 and not worry about it too much. If they are bought at the
same time from the same supplier, they are probably from the same batch
anyway.

Any thoughts or helpful advice?

Thanks for any replies.

Martin
 
Martin C schrieb:
....
Hence the question. Do I really need to consider getting matched pairs of
memory (2x512M) or should I save the extra pennies and go for just two
modules of 512 and not worry about it too much. If they are bought at the
same time from the same supplier, they are probably from the same batch
anyway.
Click to expand...
....

Until today, I had no probs with using two modules of the same brand
and specs, bought at the same time at the same place... (and that's
what I call matching memory;-).
It is important to buy DIMMs of a good brand, with specs suitable for
the motherboard.

Roy
 
Martin C said:
I am currently in the process of putting together my requirements for a new
PC build to replace my ageing one.
For budget reasons, I am going for the following:

ASUS A8N5X motherboard,
AMD Athlon 64 3200
1 GB RAM
Geforce 6800GS Graphics card

I have been told that I should be using matched memory modules for best
results - agreed.
However, I have also been told that this is only really required if I want
to overclock everything as matched memory will handle this better.

I WILL probably overclock (at a later date, once I know that everything is
stable), but probably not by much. I like to try and get value for money,
so
extra oomph from the hardware would be a good thing, but I also tend to
play
it safe. This means that I will tweak things a bit, but inherently want a
more stable system rather than get everything I can out of it with
possible
sacrifices.

Hence the question. Do I really need to consider getting matched pairs of
memory (2x512M) or should I save the extra pennies and go for just two
modules of 512 and not worry about it too much. If they are bought at the
same time from the same supplier, they are probably from the same batch
anyway.

Any thoughts or helpful advice?

Thanks for any replies.

Martin
Click to expand...

The only difference is that the "matched" memory is supposedly tested
together. I have never had a problem just ordering two modules of the same
part# and saving the premium for so-called matched pairs. The main reason
for the matched modules is for syncronous operation. Even for that I just
order two modules of the same type. It should not be a problem for a modest
overclock either.

Ed
 
Martin said:
I am currently in the process of putting together my requirements for a new
PC build to replace my ageing one.
For budget reasons, I am going for the following:

ASUS A8N5X motherboard,
AMD Athlon 64 3200
1 GB RAM
Geforce 6800GS Graphics card

I have been told that I should be using matched memory modules for best
results - agreed.
However, I have also been told that this is only really required if I want
to overclock everything as matched memory will handle this better.
Click to expand...

I am running a non matched pair of Samsung 512mb in Dual channel mode
with no issues. The timings are the same but they are not a matched pair
at all. Everest reads them quite differently except the timings are the
same. I'm not even sure if that is true requirement for dual channel
mode but I would try to at least match the timings.
 
IF you plan on running the RAM in dual channel mode (recommended for
increased speed and efficiency) then you MUST use matched pairs of RAM.
 
DaveW said:
IF you plan on running the RAM in dual channel mode (recommended for
increased speed and efficiency) then you MUST use matched pairs of RAM.
Click to expand...

Just two modules of the same specs and brand work just as well as so-called
matched pairs. I have seen two modules of the same specs but even different
brands work just fine too in dual channel. They may not overclock as well,
but do work just fine.

Ed
 
Ed said:
Just two modules of the same specs and brand work just as well as so-called
matched pairs. I have seen two modules of the same specs but even different
brands work just fine too in dual channel. They may not overclock as well,
but do work just fine.

Ed
Click to expand...

Yes, as my other post proves. But I was wondering. What if I want to get
another pair to move up to 2gb of ram does the second pair have to be
the same brand and timings as the first pair or can they be completely
different from the first pair so long as they are the same brand and
timings to each other?
 
Starfleet said:
Yes, as my other post proves. But I was wondering. What if I want to get
another pair to move up to 2gb of ram does the second pair have to be the
same brand and timings as the first pair or can they be completely
different from the first pair so long as they are the same brand and
timings to each other?
Click to expand...
If you are running in dual channel, I would try and at least get memory of
the same timings and speed. If not, any memory that is compatible with your
MB should be fine. Check your MB manual too just to be sure that it will
accept another pair to get you to 2mb. I have found that their are MBs out
there that require two 1gb modules rather than four 512mb modules to get you
to 2gbs. Good luck.

Ed
 
Ed said:
If you are running in dual channel, I would try and at least get memory of
the same timings and speed. If not, any memory that is compatible with your
MB should be fine. Check your MB manual too just to be sure that it will
accept another pair to get you to 2mb. I have found that their are MBs out
there that require two 1gb modules rather than four 512mb modules to get you
to 2gbs. Good luck.

Ed
Click to expand...

Yes, my mb will work fine in that configuration. Thx for the info.
 
Usually the simple answer would be "very important" but som
boards can take nearly anything, while others shat themself i
different sticks are used

Cheaper to buy a matched pair anyway

Same brand but different speed will "usually" work as th
system will revert the faster module to whatever the board takes, I
if your system is meant to run 3200, using one 3200 and another 350
will simply revert the 3500 stick to 3200 specs, being backward
compatible with most

Although it's an advantage to use faster sticks in both slots, tha
can give more extreme overclocking settings without problems, so i
your meant to use 2700 DDR, try 3200 DDR sticks

And it should go without saying, more memory is better, no matter wha
the system, 1Gb will do most anything the average PC user will eve
want, while power users that use high end graphic software will g
for close to the boards max, or at least 2 X 1024 mb sticks
 
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