can you install 2 different sized DDR RAM DIMMS at the same time

flamingelephant

Golden Member
Jun 22, 2001
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My old computer is my wifes and it was a piece o junk (p3 700 etc...)
Bought something alot better on boxing day for a really good price. Performance isn't an issue for us, I havn't bought a game since Warcraft 3 since no computer I had was capable of running anything newer than that.
So, I've got a Semp 3100 with integrated graphics and 256 of ram. I know that ram is not enough, and the graphics will do me until I can get a pci-e card. There are 2 DIMM slots on the board, one has a 256 in it (DDR PC 3200) and the other is empty. I want to upgrade to a gig, but dont have the $$$. Makes no sense to get another 256 if down the road I'll chuck it to put in 2x512. So, can I run a 256 and a 512 at the same time, still have it run better than it does now and not have it blow up...

Thanks
 

stogez

Platinum Member
Oct 11, 2006
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That will work fine. You will definitely get a performance increase but it won't be running in dual channel which gives even better performance. It will still be a good upgrade until you get a second 512mb stick. Just make sure that when you buy that second stick of 512mb, its the same speed as the original. Best would be to buy exact same one.
 

Ruptga

Lifer
Aug 3, 2006
10,246
207
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What stogez said is correct, but you should know that not all sempron systems are capable of dual-channel operation. You use DDR memory, so you either have socket 754 or 939.

If you have a s939 sempron you are ok, you can have dual channel memory and it's easier to upgrade the processor as well. But if you have a s754 board you can only run in single channel mode, and in fact you may be better off getting a new motherboard and moving up to Core 2 Duo or AMD's newer socket AM2 when you get your graphics card.
 

engiNURD

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2004
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Yes, you can use different sized modules of DDR memory. Dual channel only helps a little bit, not by much with a sempron system. Its too bad DDR is so overpriced now.

How much are you spending on these cheap systems?
 

stogez

Platinum Member
Oct 11, 2006
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You should be able to pick up a decent stick of 512mb pc3200 for $40 or so in the FS forums. Anything over that is overpriced and useless for you. I dont know what your budget is like but you could also look into upgrading that sempron to an Athlon64 for another $50 or so. Getting a whole new mobo/proc combo would cost a minimum of couple hundred. Plus the cost of DDR2 is ridiculous right now.