RAM upgrade question

[Lmronby]

I have an Abit IS-7E mb that currently has 1x512MB Corsair XMS PC2700. I want to get more mem and utilize my dual channel capability. I keep my eyes out for another stick of what I have but the price is high. Kingston is selling 256MB sticks (PC3200 CL3) for $35 ea. So the questions are:

How good is that Kingston Ram,, anyone have experience getting it to run at CL2?

How well would my system work with the 2x256 in dual channel and the 512 in a third slot or would that mess up my memory karma?

If I go that mixed route would it be better to run all the ram at 3200 speeds but cl3 or at 2700 speeds cl2 (assuming I can get the ram to perform at those numbers.?

Tks for lookin...

 

[Lmronby]

Round two..

 

[VIAN]

If you Run different speed RAM, then the slowest speed is what the RAM will run. If you utilize all three slots, the sytem will not be able to run at max speed.

 

[Lmronby]

I follow what you are saying...if I use mixed speed ram i can only run as fast as the slowest ram. I am thinking I can get that XMS ram to run at 3200 speeds but only at CAS3. Will test that theory tonight.

Still wondering is it better to run 3200 at cas3 or 2700 at cas2?

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: Lmronby
I follow what you are saying...if I use mixed speed ram i can only run as fast as the slowest ram. I am thinking I can get that XMS ram to run at 3200 speeds but only at CAS3. Will test that theory tonight.

Still wondering is it better to run 3200 at cas3 or 2700 at cas2?

Dunno...I'd imagine at CL3 it's probably still better to run at PC3200 speeds
Nothing a couple benches won't tell you