Mixing ram

[Culvin]

Currently, I have 2x256MB PC3200 3-3-3-8 ram (Infineon) running dual channel. I just ordered 2x512MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7 ram (Corsair VS) that was on sale.

If I use both sets of ram, filling all 4 dimms and keeping them both paired properly, will each set run with their own timings? Or will both sets run at Infineon's slower 3-3-3-8 timings? My BIOS is for a retail machine and gives me no control what-so-ever over ram settings.

Would I be better off using both sets of ram for 1.5g? Or sacraficing 512MB so that I'm only using the new Corsair VS ram? I'm running a P4 2.4C, with an ASUS P4SD-LA mobo.

 

[imported_Kensai]

They'll run at the slower timing. I'd go with *just* the Corsair VS.

 

[Nomada]

Most Infinion 3200 will run 2.5-3-3-5 easily! Mine's rated same as yours but runs these timings no sweat.

 

[SrGuapo]

Originally posted by: Kensai
They'll run at the slower timing. I'd go with *just* the Corsair VS.

ditto. 1GB is plenty for most PC work today (excluding video ediing and photo editing with huge files). Do you have an older PC that would benefit from another 512 MB? Maybe you can try ebay or FS/FT. You probably won't get much though, DRR is dirt cheap now...

 

[Culvin]

Thanks for the replies.

Nomada, unfortunately I have no control over the timings on my dimm's. My BIOS is very restricted -- even the hidden advanced BIOS leaves out many settings. I'm assuming my dimm's are always set to SPD.

I'll probably go with just the Corsair VS. The only thing I can think of on my system that would benefit from more than 1GB of ram is EQ2. And I'm not sure if the benefit would be enough to warrant mixing ram.

 

[Chode Messiah]

itll run at the slower settings. u could overclock the ram though

 

[FlyingPenguin]

For stability you're better off with the two 512Mb sticks. Sell the others. You don't need more than 1Gb unless you're a power Photoshop user.