mixing memory types

[DrFill]

Okay so I got a new computer with 1 gb (2 x 512) of PC3200/400 DDR-SDRAM.
But I had a stick of PC2100/266 256 mg SDRAM just lying around.

Should I put it in the computer?
Will it slow down the 400 to 266? If it does, which will give me the best performance?

Rest of the computer is a HP a1245c. AMD 3700+...

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Lemon law]

To DrFill,

Yes, the ram will default to the speed of the slowest ram in the system----my guess is (a) You probably have enough memory now---and adding more will give you little benefit unless you are running some special type programs needing lots of ram.---but check free memory---chances are you plenty free now (b) If you add memory---you are probably better off adding exactly what you had before---in a 512 MB modules---do you have three of four ram slots on the mobo? (c) Do you even know if the 256 MB stick is even compatable with your mobo?

 

[DrFill]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Mostly doing alot of multitasking on xp pro. Some pic editing. Using a lot of media center etc.

I'm just > 50% of my physical memory but the 256 mb stick is compatible. I'm using it now with no comparable difference (maybe slower)

 

[bobsmith1492]

Do NOT put that thing in! 😛

33.5% slower memory won't be much use if you're only increasing the capacity by 25%... but I'm sure that would depend on the application.

Try it, if all else fails, but if it doesn't help any, take it out since it will just suck up juice (some...) without any benefit.