2xDual Channel and Timings

[coolego1]

Hello All,
I am considering upgrading the RAM in my PC3200 motherboard. I already have 2 sticks of 512MB which I run in dual channel at a latency of 2-3-2-5. I am looking into purchasing another 1 or maybe even 2GB to run as dual channel in the other slots of the motherboard. Can I use two different manufacturers' RAM, and can it have different timings?

Also, can I have a total of 2x512MB and 2x1GB in my PC running in pairs of dual channel?

 

[JustaGeek]

Yes, you can have 2x512 + 2x1GB in dual channel, although apparently some AMD chipsets might struggle with 4 memory modules (due to the memory controller built into the chip).

And yes, you should match the frequency/timings of the RAM sticks.

You might be lucky with unmatched latencies since DDR is not as "picky" as DDR2, but it is not worth the risk IMHO.

Good luck!

 

[Pez D Spencer]

I used to have 2 x 1GB and 2 X 512MB in my system and it ran in dual channel just fine. In fact the 2 x 1GB sticks were Corsair Value Select running at 4-4-4-12 and the 2 x 512MB sticks were Kingston Hyper-X running at 3-3-3-10. I just had to set the Hyper-X at the higher 4-4-4-12 timings of the Value Select.

 

[coolego1]

I have an Intel P4 Prescott CPU with a random off-brand motherboard (soltek) which I don't particularly like. I will try to find some more 2-3-2-5 RAM...