RAM :Mix and Match

[imported_nah]

I recently got two computers for basically for free and installed Win98SE on them---for some retro fun. Both have the 440 BX-2 chipset--one is an Intel 440-BX/2 and the other a DFI PX2BL/e. Both have 256 MB of SD 100 RAM. Unfortunately the RAM modules are from different manufacturers (Hyundai, Apacer, LG, Toshiba ), have different latencies (2-2-2-5, 3-3-3-6 ) and are ECC and non-ECC. I've tried to make sure that each computer has 256 MB, but unfortunately this means I must mix up the ram--there are 3 128 MB modules and 2 64 MB modules. Will this mix and match play havoc on the system--I tested one with memtest86 for 8 hours and it showed no errors.

The Intel M/B has a P III 600 with a Quantum FB 30 GB HDD, SB Live S/C and a Riva TNT2 32 MB AGP w/CDROM

The DFi has a P II 333 with Seagate 10 GB, a SiS 8 MB and a PCI Blaster S/C w/CDROM

This is essentially a question for retro fans

 

[imported_nah]

what no reply ? no one in the wide world of anandtech can offer me their sagacious wisdom ?

 

[tigersty1e]

Who bumped this thread?

 

[Yellowbeard]

In a case like this, I would say it is a recipe for instability. However, it is not a standardized test case scenario so, the only way to know for sure is to mix and match the memory and test it for stability.

 

[lopri]

I mean, all you need to do is to install the mix-match sticks and run memtest off a CD-ROM before booting into the OS? If the chipset (which is an antique, btw) doesn't like the mix-match, it will tell ya.

 

[lopri]

I mean, all you need to do is to install the mix-match sticks and run memtest off a CD-ROM before booting into the OS? If the chipset (which is an antique, btw) doesn't like the mix-match, it will tell ya.