Mixing memory?

[brunell8]

Probably a stupid question, but is it alright to run different brands of memory sticks if the speed is OK? I currently have one 512mb stick of Corsair ValueSelect DDR 400, and can acquire a stick of Kingston, same size, same speed. Can I run them together without issues?

 

[amdskip]

Sure, no problem.

 

[robisbell]

well, as long as both are either nonecc or ecc, same voltage, etc.

what is the model number for the memory you have and the one you want?

 

[brunell8]

Not sure - I can pull mine out and get that info, but I'll have to contact the person I'm trading with for the Kingston.

 

[robisbell]

oh, it's used ram you're getting as well, if you get the info i can check for you.

 

[brunell8]

Here is what's on the sticker of the Kingston:

KVR400X64C3A/512
99U5216-037.A00LF
2997663-0802875
2.6V
BKMK1670772

My current memory is a Corsair ValueSelect VS512MB400.

 

[robisbell]

Kingston - 2.6-3-3-3 CL3
Corsair - 2.5-3-3-8 CL2.5


I do not think they'll be stable enough together.

 

[brunell8]

Thanks.

 

[robisbell]

you're welcome

 

[vanvock]

Why not just set them to run 2.6-3-3-8 CL3?

 

[robisbell]

not everyone has the most expensive board and I prefer to not have to over/under clock ram.

 

[brunell8]

Yeah, I'm not brave enought to do that. It's easier to just buy matching memory.

 

[dclive]

They'll both run at the spec that the chips tell them to run at - at the lowest of the two. There's no issue with 'under' clocking memory; that's how the spec is _designed_ to work; it's only doing what it's supposed to do. Just buy generic P3200/DDR400 RAM and you'll be fine (I wouldn't buy used RAM, especially given how cheap it is nowadays.)

Assuming you have a whitebox PC, you'll have some ability to set RAM speeds, but most people simply set it to automatic and let the computer query the SPD for clocks to use, and everything works wonderfully. The brand names (Dell, HP, etc.) all force this setting anyway (usually).

 

[robisbell]

he's just going to get another stick of corasir, same model.
I've seen plenty of boards not handle or like ram that had different timings and CAS, and rather than him monkey around and risk more harm, I suggested the easiest option, since this will leave him money to spare.