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    Mixing brands of RAM?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by GuanYu, Aug 15, 2008.

  1. GuanYu

    GuanYu Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've read that this can be a cause for concern at times ... however I had already ordered a 2 GB stick to upgrade from 3 GB to 4 GB. How often do incompatibilities occur? (The speed/type is the same)

    edit: Looks like the 2 GB that I bought is 1.8 V DDR2 800 PC26400 with timings of 5-5-5-15 and the existing 2 GB will be 1.8 V DDR2 800 PC26400 and have timings of either 5-6-6-18 or 6-6-6-18

    Should I be ok? Or should I just return the RAM I bought?
     
    GuanYu, Aug 15, 2008
    #1
  2. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Well, installing a kitted pair is the best way to ensure that your modules are identical, right down to the chip count (and get the advantages and gains of dual-channel). Buying a module from a different brand shouldn't be a problem. But try to get ram with the same specs. What is the spec of the module that you'll leave inside your notebook..?? (Run CPU-Z)
     
    Andy, Aug 15, 2008
    #2
  3. GuanYu

    GuanYu Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm still waiting on my laptop to arrive so I can't say for sure. I'll run the test once it gets here though, are there any big things I should look for?
     
    GuanYu, Aug 15, 2008
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  4. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    No, not really. You mean precautions, w.r.t. RAM..??

    It is best to get the lowest RAM config, remove it and keep it (in case you'll need to reinstall them when sending the notebook under warranty), and then upgrade to better, bigger, faster modules.

    Would advise, if possible, to buy a kitted pair with max frequency supported by the chipset, and low CAS latency, to get optimal performance. (and remove, and keep the OEM modules with yourself)
     
    Andy, Aug 15, 2008
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  5. synic

    synic Notebook Deity

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    Brands do not matter. Just make sure it's the same speed.
     
    synic, Aug 15, 2008
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  6. mattbieg892

    mattbieg892 Notebook Geek

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    Actually it doesn't even need to be the same speed. The Motherboard will always run the 2 different speeds of RAM at the lowest speed.

    The only real thing you need to worry about with RAM is voltage. Wrong voltage and you're guaranteed to fry your comp. But the manufacturer takes care of that for you - there's a reason why the notch in the middle of the RAM stick is in different spots for different sticks of RAM - so the user doesn't inadvertently stick the wrong voltage in the computer.
     
    mattbieg892, Aug 15, 2008
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  7. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    I guess 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 is only available with a Voltage of 1.8V.
    And it is always better to get a module with an equal or higher frquency (if the price difference is negligible)....
     
    Andy, Aug 15, 2008
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  8. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Voltage tells you DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 so no one shops voltage they shop type. And as Andy said do not by slower RAM than what you have. The same or higher.
     
    powerpack, Aug 15, 2008
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  9. GuanYu

    GuanYu Notebook Enthusiast

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    Looks like the 2 GB that I bought is 1.8 V DDR2 800 PC26400 with timings of 5-5-5-15 and the existing 2 GB will be 1.8 V DDR2 800 PC26400 and have timings of either 5-6-6-18 or 6-6-6-18

    Should I be ok? Or should I just return the RAM I bought?
     
    GuanYu, Aug 16, 2008
    #9
  10. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    If the existing 2GB module has higher timings than your new 2GB module, then the new module's timings will downclock to match the timings of the slower/existing 2GB module. But will work..!!
     
    Andy, Aug 16, 2008
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  11. GuanYu

    GuanYu Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok then, I guess that's not a big deal, I'll just go ahead and keep it. Thanks for all the help :)
     
    GuanYu, Aug 16, 2008
    #11