16 replies to this topic

[jonnykun]

i have 4 slots for ram on my computer. right now i've got 2 x 1 gigabyte sticks of some brand of RAM on my 32 bit vista system. two possibilities for me here. either i get 2 x 2gb ram kit and ditch the old ram sticks, or get 2 x 1 gb ram kit and keep the old sticks. either way i want 4gb total.

things to think about:
1. is 4x1 better than 2x2 ?
2. price (2 x 2 ram is ~115$, while 2x1 ram is ~70$ CND)
3. is running different brand of RAM okay? (some websites say yes, some say run in kits is ideal, what are your thoughts)

Edited by jonnykun, 11 January 2010 - 10:04 AM.

[iargue]

jonnykun, on 11 January 2010 - 10:03 AM, said:

i have 4 slots for ram on my computer. right now i've got 2 x 1 gigabyte sticks of some brand of RAM on my 32 bit vista system. two possibilities for me here. either i get 2 x 2gb ram kit and ditch the old ram sticks, or get 2 x 1 gb ram kit and keep the old sticks. either way i want 4gb total.

things to think about:
1. is 4x1 better than 2x2 ?
2. price (2 x 2 ram is ~115$, while 2x1 ram is ~70$ CND)
3. is running different brand of RAM okay? (some websites say yes, some say run in kits is ideal, what are your thoughts)

1)Generally smaller amount of ram is better per stick since there is less data to populate, but it will not make any difference at all.
2)Whats the CAS latency on both of them?
3)Ram is built to a specification PCxxxx. This is supposed to allow all of them to run together, but you might sometimes (1 in a million) run into issues.

[unworthy]

I run different brands of ram and it is ok and I believe they are the same speed like 3400 or whatever(really bad) if you have two different kinds though I believe it clocks down to the lower one or can cause problems.

[iargue]

unworthy, on 11 January 2010 - 11:59 AM, said:

I run different brands of ram and it is ok and I believe they are the same speed like 3400 or whatever(really bad) if you have two different kinds though I believe it clocks down to the lower one or can cause problems.

It clocks down to the lowest speed of ram present. (Technically, it doesnt clock down, instead it only gets data at the same speed as the other stick)

[unworthy]

iargue, on 11 January 2010 - 12:04 PM, said:

It clocks down to the lowest speed of ram present. (Technically, it doesnt clock down, instead it only gets data at the same speed as the other stick)

yeah. what he said


So if you are gonna go buy some expensive high speed ram to go with your (possible average crap) that came with the computer you would be better off just replacing it all.

[jonnykun]

oh okay thanks, i ended up buying 4 x 1 sticks and theyre all the same speed (6400 ddr2) so i think it'll be okay. thanks for the help!

EDIT: i just added the new sticks. MY COMPUTER IS SO MUCH FASTER....I'M SO EXCITED.

Edited by jonnykun, 11 January 2010 - 02:36 PM.

[iargue]

jonnykun, on 11 January 2010 - 12:15 PM, said:

oh okay thanks, i ended up buying 4 x 1 sticks and theyre all the same speed (6400 ddr2) so i think it'll be okay. thanks for the help!

EDIT: i just added the new sticks. MY COMPUTER IS SO MUCH FASTER....I'M SO EXCITED.

Welcome to the joys of not using the Page File.

[vendetta.inc]

Congrats. I'm running 4GB here aswell. It's pretty nice

[Fatal]

I understand you already made your decision, but I'll post anyways

I've had LOTS of experience with ram, and I have never had a computer running mixed ram, run as well as it should. Even when it is the same speed / latencies, it can still cause problems. It always seems less stable and slower if anything. I'd recommend always matching ram (this does not mean it needs to be sold in a kit, as long as its the same brand/model/speed). I know many say they can't tell a difference / it's the same, but the difference is quite obvious to me in most circumstances. If you knew 2 different types of ram had the exact same IC's (ram chips) in them, then that may be okay.


Also, 4x1GB is significantly worse than 2x2GB if you're going to be overclocking. If you're not overclocking, it wont make a huge difference, but IT IS less stable in general, and motherboards have a tougher time running 4 sticks smoothly.

[jonnykun]

any idea why this is so? =\

[Kway]

jonnykun, on 15 January 2010 - 03:04 PM, said:

any idea why this is so? =\

My common sense says synchronizing is the problem like most things that work in pairs or larger groups.

For example: Which would be easier to keep everybody on the same page.
1) Having a student read a book.
2) Pairing 2 students to read out of a single book.
3) Grouping 4 students to read out of a single book.

[googlehead]

I would recommend checking you motherboard specifications to see if it can handle an upgrade. It probably can, but it's no fun to make that mistake.

[DarkVision]

I currently have 2 different brand's of Ram in my laptop, Runs fine but its just advised to use Same brands

[JesterC]

Gold tipped or Tin? which is better?

[iargue]

JesterC, on 16 May 2010 - 06:15 PM, said:

Gold tipped or Tin? which is better?

Neither.

[Xcisor]

I think we may have the same desktop. I had the same RAM cartridges and had to get more to play World of Warcraft. I think you can get 8GB total or more. They sell the sticks that are 2GB.

[devil669988]

In terms of running different model rams as long as its from the same series like if its a ddr3 533 1gb it won't work with a ddr3 600 1gb or for the matter board compatibility issues. Since all rams are made with the same purpose in mind the differences can only be seen in durability but will not hinder the capacity of partnered ram from different company