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need help adding DDR mem

S

SkipE

Member
Hi,

My first system with DDR memory; specifically PC3200. It currently has 2-256M sticks. I don't know the brand but the factory default timings don't look that great. I can't reboot to see the timings again as I'm updating my linux system and it's going slow. If memory serves me correctly they were 3-3-3-8. Don't really understand what all the numbers mean, but from a lot of googling, I've seen sticks with much lower numbers.

Don't have a lot of cash to throw at this. I had a stick of 512M 3200 given to me by a friend, and stuck it in there. Ran memtest and noticed that it said it was running at 'single data rate' or something to that effect. Started checking into it further and discovered that one is supposed to have 'matched' memory for DDR. So I guess my system memory is running at half of the speed it's capable of. I need a GB for my app's to run.

So my options are buy two more 256, or one more 512? I believe the 512 is Value Select (something Fry's Electronics has sales on quite frequently). I believe it's made by Corsair, but not sure.

This box is an HP a465c if that means anything to anyone. I have no idea what kind of memory HP put in this thing.

First, am i correct? If I either put 4 - 256 sticks in there, or 2 - 512's will I be able to run at double rate?
Is there any advantage to going with one or the other? Might I be able to push one further in terms of timings? I'm assuming HP is conservative when they set these up - less support calls that way.

Thanks for your time and any help!
SkipE
 
ur prob running dual channel DDR and thats y u would need identical sticks.
to answer ur question, both setups will run double rate but 2x512 would be better since u have room for upgrading; 4x256 would be fine anyway if u think 1gb is enough (i do). i dont think the number of sticks matters in OCing it.
 
Your current memory is running at full speed. If your motherboard/chipset supports dual channel memory then I would go with 2 matched 512Mb sticks over four 256. It would be more stable and you could run tighter settings.

Super6
 
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