RAM: Can I mix 1Rx8 and 2Rx8 ?

[GoodEnough]

Current PC has 4 RAM slots.
2 slots empty.
2 slots contain 1Rx8 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667mhz
Can I install 2 2Rx8's in the empty slots? (1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667mhz)

 

[dave_the_nerd]

You can do that.

 

[GoodEnough]

Ok, thanks.

 

[DigDog]

afaik yes, you can, but the performance takes a dive.

you still get the "more ram" thing though, so it might be worth the tradeoff.

 

[MongGrel]

I avoid it, but *shrug*

 

[GoodEnough]

Let's say I purchase RAM that does not specify 1Rx8 or 2Rx8.
How can I tell if the RAM is working at 50% speed?
Will the BIOS say something?

Is low density the 1Rx8?
And high density the 2xR8?

 

[sonitravel09]

Mixing ram doesn't damage anything. But it doesn't work together. I have had some luck with mixing memory, but sometimes it just does not work right. Either way, It will not damage anything(data corruption can happen but would be very rare.).

 

[bononos]

Let's say I purchase RAM that does not specify 1Rx8 or 2Rx8.
How can I tell if the RAM is working at 50% speed?
Will the BIOS say something?

Is low density the 1Rx8?
And high density the 2xR8?

You might be able to tell from screenshots I think.
The bios should tell you the speed.
The motherboard manual might tell you whether mixing memory of different densities is allowed.

 

[GoodEnough]

So, if it works and boots, will it run slower?
Or it's a case of either it boots or it doesn't (when you mix)