mixing memory sticks?

[Gooberlx2]

I have a Dell 8400 with 2x512MB of PC2-4200 DDR2 Samsung 4-4-4-10. I'm planning on upgrading to 2GB by populating the other 2 dual-channel dimm slots. I was wondering if it really matters what brand/speed I use for the other two slots. Even if I went to the Dell website, and ordered memory the product numbers are different...so I don't think they'd ship me the same stuff anyway.

I can get this 2x512MB wintec kit for basically what one 512MB module would cost from Dell. Any comments or recommendations? Cost is (as always) a big factor, which is why I wasn't considering scrapping my 2x512MB and getting 2x1GB

 

[imported_Tick]

Well, best thing to do is get similar memory, then put a the two old sticks in 0 channel, and the two new sticks in 1 channel.

 

[kitkat22]

It doesn't matter which type of memory you use in the second set as long as they match. In other words, save yourself some dough and get the wintec stuff. The only thing is to make sure each set matches.

 

[suszterpatt]

Noname RAM can (and possibly WILL) byte you in the arse. If you want to get very cheap RAM then I suggest Samsung or Infineon.

 

[Shagga]

I have 2GB of Ram. 1Gb of Corsair and 1 GB of OCZ. They are matched pairs and I have had no issues with mixing manuafacturers.

However, they are matched and Bank 0 has the Corsair and Ban 1 had the OCZ.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Okay, then in matching how big of a deal is that last number....the 10? It seems to range from 4-4-4-8, 10 and 12. And what does that last number mean anyway? Does it make a difference in speed/performance?

this Wintec set matches a 4-4-4-10 @ $90
this OZC set is 4-4-4-8 @ $88
and this Mushkin set is 4-4-4-12 @ $83

 

[Ike0069]

It's just latency timings. The lower the better (faster), but you won't ever actually notice a difference.
I would go with the OCZ. It is slightly faster, yet slightly more $$ than the Mushkin, but I just like OCZ RAM.