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    Mixing DDR3-1066 and DDR3-1600 RAM modules- question!

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by allfiredup, Aug 17, 2012.

  1. allfiredup

    allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso

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    A friend asked me a question earlier tonight about mixing different speed RAM modules on his new laptop....

    The laptop came with a single 4GB DDR3-1600 RAM installed in one slot and the other slot empty. He has a 4GB DDR3-1066 module that he would like to install for a total of 8GB of RAM.

    I know that you can mix RAM of different speeds and I confirmed it by installing both in his system. I also know that the system downclocks all memory to the speed of the lowest. So I'm assuming that all 8GB are operating at 1066MHz. Before I added the second module, the original 4GB was operating at 1600MHz. Right?

    So, here is my main question- Even though there is a slight difference in memory speeds, the 8GB at 1066 will outperform the original 4GB at 1600. Am I correct? Would it be worth it to purchase another 4GB DDR3-1600 module and toss the DDR3-1066?

    Please advise, thanks!
     
    allfiredup, Aug 17, 2012
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  2. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Yes, the RAM is now running at 1066MHz. No, you won't be able to notice the difference at all unless you use the integrated graphics for gaming purposes: then, the faster RAM speed will benefit overall graphics performance and 1600MHz versus 1066MHz may net you a couple frames per second difference (under 10 FPS).
     
    MidnightSun, Aug 17, 2012
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