Couple questions on mixing RAM and on Vista 32

[Paks]

I just put together an intel system with 2GB of this OCZ RAM:

2 GB (2 x 1 GB) OCZ Platinum

I want to add another GB of this RAM:

1 GB (2 x 512GB) mushkin Extreme Performance

but I'm wondering if there will be some problems mixing the two types (not looking at OC'ing)?

My system is:

Intel 6850
GA-P35-DQ6
2 gigs OCZ
Vista 32
8800 GTS

Also, is it true that Vista 32 can only recognize 3GB of RAM? I was looking at putting another 2GB of the OCZ in my system, which costs less then the Mushkin, but if my OS only recognizes 1GB of that it'd be a waste of money...

Thanks for your time!

 

[Paks]

Anyone?

 

[cmdrdredd]

You may not have a problem, but you may run into the issue of the Mushkin not booting at the same voltage and timings.

 

[Paks]

Damn, well thanks for the input!

Should I just go ahead and get the 2GB OCZ then? Can Vista make use of the extra GB?

edit: ahh I just read this article from PCStats. I guess I'll go with the 2GBs of OCZ. Thanks for the help!

 

[JustaGeek]

Not the 32-bit Vista. Full 4GB of RAM can only be used by a 64-bit OS. 3GB is the optimal amount of RAM for 32-bit OS', and 2GB is sufficient for most users.

Get 2x512MB of the OCZ memory, or if you can't find the matching OCZ in 2x512, get the other manufacturer's RAM.

BUT, if you want to make sure it works, you MUST match the voltage, you MUST match the frequency/speed, and you MUST match the timings.

 

[leexgx]

just get the extra 2x1gb later on you probly end up getting Vista/XP 64 (at least all your ram will be the same type of ram)
for smooth gameing you should not consider no less then 3gb when useing vista, useing XP 2gb is plenty but can be usefull if useing programs that use lots of ram

 

[Paks]

Alright thanks for the info! I couldn't find any 2x512 OCZ which is why I looked at the mushkin at Newegg, but I'll keep looking. Thanks again!

 

[Paks]

Sorry, one more question. I'm having trouble finding 2.1V in 2x512, but I can find 5-5-5-15. Can I run the OCZ at 2.2V effectively?

Or do you have any suggestions on what I can do or what memory to get?

 

[Paks]

I can get 1 stick of this:

OCZ SLI-Ready 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory

if I can find it in stock but I couldn't find anything for dual channel.

 

[JustaGeek]

I would not want to "kill" Dual Channel if I were you.

Check if your OCZ memory qualifies for the OCZ "guaranteed voltage" of max. 2.2V, or something to this effect. Some of the modules are, without voiding the warranty.

Good luck!

 

[Paks]

Well this is what OCZ support says:

"I do not recommend running 3GB of ram, either you run 2 or 4GB. 2 different density modules will have a lower performance than ram of equal size."

Which is pretty much what you guys are saying. I'll get the 2GB and look at upgrading to Vista 64.

Thanks so much for the input!