2 Questions about DDR memory

[ghart999]

1) Is it a bad idea to mix different brands of memory? I have a 512MB stick of Samsung PC2700/333 that I would like to still use, but I would like to add another 512MB stick of crucial memory. Would this cause compatibility problems?

2) Once I have upgraded to 1GB of memory with WinXP home would it be wise to stop using virtual memory? As of right now I have a separate 2GB partitiion devoted to virtual memory with min and max set to the full 2GB. Would it be OK to keep using this or should I cancel virtual memory altogether once I have 1GB of memory?

Thank you very much for the help.

Gregg

 

[MDE]

1) You should be fine unless you're trying to run them in dual channel. Need more info about your system to see if it can even run dual channel.

2) I'd leave virtual memory alone. Never know if you'll ever need over a gig. The last thing you want is a game crashing on you because it needs more memory than it can get.

 

[Geomagick]

Even with a gig of RAM Win XP still makes significant use of virtual memory although it doesn't seem to access it very much.

As for using different brands of memory I find it wise to stick to one type as this helps with timings and if you run dual channel or plan to move over to dual channel it is important to have matching sticks. Remember RAM only works as fast as the slowest stick, speed and quality at times is just as important as quantity.

 

[dnuggett]

Once I have upgraded to 1GB of memory with WinXP home would it be wise to stop using virtual memory? As of right now I have a separate 2GB partitiion devoted to virtual memory with min and max set to the full 2GB. Would it be OK to keep using this or should I cancel virtual memory altogether once I have 1GB of memory?

No, IIRC virtual memory is a requirement for some programs to run. Even if you are not using any of these programs it is a good idea to keep your swap file at 2X your installed RAM.

 

[ghart999]

How would I know if I can run dual channel for memory? I have a P4 2.4 GHz with a VIA motherboard P4VXAD+. It has P4X333 Northbridge (533 MHz FSB) and VT8235 Southbridge.

 

[MDE]

It's not dual channel.

 

[charlie21]

1) I have 2 different memory types in a couple of systems and they all work fine. None of them are dual channel though. If you're running DC, it's better to have the same type/brand of memory, but I've read that it can work with different types.

2) No.