Mixing RAM "Kits"

[RPD]

Hello, long time reader, first time poster here. I did a search to find an answer and found this post. Didn't really answer my question.

My question being will mixing different RAM kits a bad thing or cause any adverse affect on performance? Basically I built a new rig earlier this year, only had the cash for a 2x1g kit, dual channel etc. With RAM prices being so low about 2 months ago I bought a 2x2g kit so I have a total of 6gigs (Windows 7 RC OS 64bit). I always wondered if by mixing the RAM sizes had any adverse affects (I don't have the timings with me atm, but assume they are the same just different capacity)?

Edit: To clarify, obviously the kits are installed so they are 2x1 and 2x2 for dual channel and not mix/matched.

 

[Harvey]

It shouldn't cause any problems if the RAM is all the same speed and timing from reputable manufacturers. If you mix speeds, the system should default to the speed of the slowest part.

Check your motherboard manufacturer's site for qualified RAM makes and models.

For dual channel operation the channels should match. With the RAM you spec'd, you should put 1 x 2 GB and 1 x 1 GB on each channel.

If you already have all the RAM, you can always test it. The worst that could happen is that the system would lock up or have some other problem, but I doubt it would be destructive to anything.