Mixing RDRAM sizes... OK??

[ripthesystem]

Hey there! I'm running a Duallie P3 933 on an Intel OR840 board with 512MB(2x256) of Samsung PC800 RDRAM

So with all the stuff I'm running on this guy I think I could benefit from some more RAM.
Basically I don't need another 512MB which would be overkill and totally thrash my thinning wallet. Do I NEED to get 2 more matched sticks of 256? or as long as I run them in pairs could I use 2 sticks of 128? or even 64? Will my machine still be stable as a rock? I know that RDRAM must be run in pairs but do all 4 have to match size wise?

TIA
ripthesystem

 

[fkloster]

Yes...you can run 2-256's and 2-128's or 2-256's & 2-512's. ...as long as they arrive in pairs....like to a party nice rig btw....

 

[Mavrick007]

Does your machine have 4 RDram slots? If it does then there shouldn't be any problem with mixing sizes of ram as long as you run the same sizes in pair. I would also make sure that you run the same speeds of ram as well (ie. if you have PC800, then don't mix it with PC600 or PC1066). Also, I would try to get the same brand of ram as well. Since you have Samsung, I would go and buy new Samsung ram as well.

You should be able to add 2 x 64Megs or 2 x 128Megs more to make your machine run faster. Stability when using more than one set of ram on any machine is going to be different from board to board. I've seen people running 2 sticks of DDR and having problems when other people with the same mobo have 2 sticks and it's fine. The same goes for RDram, it might be stable for one person but not you. It's a chance you will have to take, or your next step, which I don't think you'd like, is to go with the 512Meg x 2 and swap out the old 2 sticks of ram you have now. Good luck.

 

[ripthesystem]

Thanks for the quick replies..
I will get the exact same version of PC800 Samsung that I'm running now.. most likely in the 2x128 setup.. Right now my box runs like a rock. solid. if I stick to the same I think I'll be fine.. good to know I won't have to break the bank to expand.

thanks again
ripthesystem