ram questions

[Maezr]

my system:

c2d e6600
2x 1gb ddr-667 ram
asus p5b-deluxe wifi-ap

I want to upgrade.. I think. a few questions.

1) my computer very often uses super close to 100% of my ram, but never actually gets there. 85-90% is very very common. does windows purposely not use the last bits of ram? will I benefit from more?

2) is there any harm in having 2x1gb sticks and 1x 2gb stick? any disadvantages at all?

3) I know people suggest running ram 1:1 w/ fsb. why is this? wouldn't having faster ram run at faster speeds be beneficial? when do the benefits outweigh... whatever downsides there are?

 

[Maezr]

anyone?

 

[JustaGeek]

While playing Quake 4 in Ultra Quality settings, my computer uses up to 72% of RAM, which is about 2.16GB. It used to be about 99% with only 2GB.

IMO my setup with 3GB of RAM is the best configuration for a 32-bit OS.

If you are running a 64-bit OS, go for 4GB.

And I would just get the same RAM you have to match the specs of the existing - you don't want to leave it unused.

 

[Maezr]

same size ram as well, or just speed?

if the ram is faster but running at the same speed does it cause any problems?

 

[JustaGeek]

Brand G.SKILL
Model F2-6400PHU2-2GBHZ
Type 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM

Tech Spec
Capacity 2GB (2 x 1GB)
Speed DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Cas Latency 4
Timing 4-4-4-12
Voltage 2.0V - 2.1V


Model
Brand G.SKILL
Model F2-6400PHU2-1GBHZ
Type 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM

Tech Spec
Capacity 1GB (2 x 512MB)
Speed DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Cas Latency 4
Timing 4-4-4-12
Voltage 2.0V - 2.1V


It does not have to be the same size - the example above shows my RAM modules, in 2x1GB and 2x512MB versions. As you can see, it has the same timings and the same voltage rating.

If the RAM is rated for example for 800MHz, but you want to run it at 667MHz, it should generally be OK. But I had a problem once with RAM rated at 667MHz - it would just refuse to run at 533MHz!

So it is always better to match all three parameters: speed, timings and (especially) voltage. And in the perfect world I would strongly recommend the same manufacturer and the type of RAM - only then you will most likely (although not always - depends on the revision #, and the time elapsed between the purchases) get the same IC's (chips).

Hope this helps.