RAM question.

[Jtardiou]

Ok I got a new computer with a 512mb pc-3200 stick.

I have an older computer (2 years old) with still 512mb stick in it. I know its NOT a pc-3200, but I have no idea waht it is (I purchased it 2 years ago for about 80 dollars I think..).

Someone told me if it would actually be slower if i put both of the sticks in my new machine, saying it would bring down the pc-3200 to the other one's speed. Is this true? Would my machine be slower/faster with both sticks in?

Thanks for feedback crew,
JT

 

[Navid]

Use the free Everest tool to see what kind of memory you have on your old machine.
http://www.lavalys.com/product...p;lang=en&pageid=3

Look under "Motherboard/SPD".

Your machine's bottleneck will be the slowest component you put in it. If you set the memory timing, in the bios, to automatic, it may be set to the timing of the slowest memory. If you set things manually, you will have to slow down the memory clock in order to allow the system to work and not crash with the slower memory in there. So, you will be wasting the speed of your faster memory. So, in short, what you have been told is correct. Of course, you can try it out and see how fast the older memory is really is. You will be overclocking it.

Edit:
If you are thinking of dual-channel, assuming your motherboard supports it, you need two sticks that are simillar in order to activate dual-channel. Then, you will get some speed benefit. I don't think you can activate dual-channel by adding the old stick.

 

[Calin]

While the overall processing speed of your new computer will be negatively impacted by this "upgrade", there could be things that will benefit from twice the RAM. See it for yourself

Calin

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: Jtardiou
Someone told me if it would actually be slower if i put both of the sticks in my new machine, saying it would bring down the pc-3200 to the other one's speed. Is this true? Would my machine be slower/faster with both sticks in?

Thanks for feedback crew,
JT

Yes, it's true.

Fern

 

[Jtardiou]

Thanks, you guys are the best.