Does matched memory really make a difference?

[bcterps]

This is my dillemma, I currently have a stick of 512 mb stick of Corsair XMS PC3200 Cas 2.5, however I don't believe Corsair makes this specific stick anymore, they only make Cas 2 sticks. I wasn't running a DC DDR setup before, but I'm considering upgrading. I would like to just buy a stick of Corsair XMS PC3200 CAS2 and run them together. Would there be any imcompatibility issues?

 

[gibbsman]

I can't say I'm a guru with CAS speeds of RAM, but I know that in the past the RAM would play together fine, but the faster RAM will default to the slower speeds to match itself with with slower RAM.

I've seen issues where different types of RAM have caused issues, like mixing generic ram with name brand ram, but since you have to of the same sticks (other than the CAS) it would probably work together okay.

 

[charlie21]

I have a 256 Crucial stick and a 512 Corsair stick, and they work fine together. I've heard that dual channel is pickier about RAM, but they should work together. Especially since you're getting your other stick from the same manufacturer.

 

[snidy1]

It should work but you will probably increase your chances for instability.

 

[TheInvincibleMustard]

Originally posted by: snidy1
It should work but you will probably increase your chances for instability.

Perhaps not "probably increase" but more along the lines of "maybe increase."

Gibbsman is also right, in that the CAS2 memory will "slow down" to CAS2.5, so you won't be able to get as aggressive of timings with it as if you would have had all CAS2 memory. Provided you're not shoving in name-brand with el-cheapo, it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

You may want to try upping the volate a tiny bit and lowering the CAS latency... sometimes you get lucky and it works

Also, it should work, granted you aren't shooting for Cas 2 on both. You'll be able to get Cas 2.5 easily running, there shouldn't be any problem.