Dual channel memory combination

[Ozzy20]

I got MSI K8N Diamond Plus motherboard and I just got new equal 2x1GB DDR400 DIMM's, but I also want to use the previous 2x512MB DDR400 (also equal) that I already got, so I've made this combination:

1st green slot - 1GB DIMM
1st purple slot - 1GB DIMM
2nd green slot - 512MB DIMM
2nd purple slot - 512MB DIMM

All of the modules are double sided.

Is this a good combination? can adding those 2x512MB cause any kind of instability or make dual channel not working properly cause they're not equal with the rest, should I leave it as it is or pull those 2x512MB out? Or should I put those 2x512MB on the 1st green/purple slot ause they have 2.5 CAS latency, and those 2x1GB have 3 CAS?

Thank you forwardly.

 

[Marty502]

Better to try it out for yourself, don't you think? It's not like your PC is gonna blow up. It should be fine though. Still, unless you're doing something critical at this very moment, then why not experiment yourself?

I do believe that it shouldn't have any problems. Also, if you're familiar with overclocking, then your CAS 3 memory will probably take a 2.5 setting with a hair more voltage - 2.7v or something like that.

Tell us how it goes.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I'm in a bit of a hurry, but I read through your question.

It is my understanding that your chosen "socketing" of the two kits is incorrect.

I can't imagine it doing damage, but it won't work in dual-channel mode.

You should use one pair of matched modules for sockets of a single color -- "channel A" -- and the different pair of matched modules in channel B.

So put the 1GB modules in the green slots, and the 512MB modules in the purple slots.

I think if you consult your motherboard manual, it will recommend action consistent with what I'm telling you here.

 

[n7]

Yeah.

Though for reference, many of MSI's other mobos are actually mismatched colors for dual channel...completely retarded, but common.

On yours though, match the pairs to the colors.

 

[Ozzy20]

Today a friend of mine provided me a manual, there is a table in there that shows in which cases dual channel would work properly. I've found the same table here so if it's not too much trouble for You to take a look at:

http://www.msicomputer.com/pro...model=K8N_Diamond_Plus

I'm confused now :S @n7, you might be right about the color mismatch of the slots...

P.S. On the Recommended memory combination list, the last recommendation is D D D D DDR333, any good reason they don't recommend D D D D DDR400? (I got that combination right now) Am I loosing the overall memory speed by having the whole memory bank filled up with these modules?

Thank you for your attention.

 

[imported_Scoop]

You can see whether you're running your memory in dual channel mode or not with CPU-Z.

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: Scoop
You can see whether you're running your memory in dual channel mode or not with CPU-Z.

Or when you turn on your computer