Mixing Ram

**synthesis204** · Dec 3, 2010, 01:30 AM

Just curious if anyone ever plays around with mixing ram (timings, speeds, brands, chipmakes, etc.). I'm not really looking into going into it, but want to hear feedback -- have never really seen this discussed.

As a rule of thumb, I've always matched rated timings/speeds/brands/models when possible, but what can happen when mixing random ram? I have some unlabelled DDR2 laying around in my closet somewhere...(it wouldn't be for a computer running ddr3. Not that sort of mixing...).

Neshi · Dec 3, 2010, 01:44 AM

when mixing ram, it will default to match the slowest stick.
Just like when mixing gfx cards.

mkk · Dec 3, 2010, 02:25 AM

To my experience a motherboard is likely to attempt to run the memory according to the specifications it can read of the memory module residing in the first slot. So it might make things simpler if you put the slower and most basic memory module in that slot.

mcdragon2 · Dec 3, 2010, 03:58 AM

thanks for these tips guy I am going to try to update the parent's computer with new RAM over christmas and was wondering what the best way of doing this was going to be.
also I have no idea what is originally in it or the timings of the new sticks

Judas · Dec 3, 2010, 03:44 PM

actually i've in a test i7 test rig... 3 different 2x2gb kits... all with different speced speeds and ratings.

1333mhz/1600mhz/2000mhz

The best thing to do is always put the slowest in the first slot .. usually labeled A1 and then pair them up the best you can..

unfortunately for an i7 solution, 2gb kits aren't easily divisible by 3...

but... A1 + A2 would be best for the slowest... and the faster in B1 + B2..

mcdragon2 · Dec 3, 2010, 04:08 PM

I might be mixing 1600 and 2000 mhz sticks for my new desktop.
what about voltages though? i think the 2000 sticks I have are 2V and the 1600s are 1.65. any thoughts on what would be best?

Judas · Dec 3, 2010, 04:11 PM

you'll find out.. generally the 2000mhz stuff SHOULD work at 1600mhz with 1.65 v..... the higher speeds require the higher voltage....

sadsadsad · Dec 3, 2010, 04:17 PM

why is my prc chinese not found in de add tab?? i just dl it!!!

mcdragon2 · Dec 3, 2010, 07:13 PM

awesome thanks Judas

Dec 3, 2010, 01:30 AM	#1
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Mixing Ram Just curious if anyone ever plays around with mixing ram (timings, speeds, brands, chipmakes, etc.). I'm not really looking into going into it, but want to hear feedback -- have never really seen this discussed. As a rule of thumb, I've always matched rated timings/speeds/brands/models when possible, but what can happen when mixing random ram? I have some unlabelled DDR2 laying around in my closet somewhere...(it wouldn't be for a computer running ddr3. Not that sort of mixing...).

Dec 3, 2010, 01:44 AM	#2
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 3,378 Rep Power: 177 System Specs	Re: Mixing Ram when mixing ram, it will default to match the slowest stick. Just like when mixing gfx cards. __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? Life is just too damn short for if's and maybe's

Dec 3, 2010, 02:25 AM	#3
mkk Cthulhu/Dagon 2012 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Gefle, Sweden Posts: 4,490 Rep Power: 132 System Specs	Re: Mixing Ram To my experience a motherboard is likely to attempt to run the memory according to the specifications it can read of the memory module residing in the first slot. So it might make things simpler if you put the slower and most basic memory module in that slot.

Dec 3, 2010, 03:58 AM	#4
mcdragon2 HardwareHeaven Addict Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: West, OH Posts: 252 Rep Power: 17 System Specs	Re: Mixing Ram thanks for these tips guy I am going to try to update the parent's computer with new RAM over christmas and was wondering what the best way of doing this was going to be. also I have no idea what is originally in it or the timings of the new sticks

Dec 3, 2010, 04:08 PM	#6
mcdragon2 HardwareHeaven Addict Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: West, OH Posts: 252 Rep Power: 17 System Specs	Re: Mixing Ram I might be mixing 1600 and 2000 mhz sticks for my new desktop. what about voltages though? i think the 2000 sticks I have are 2V and the 1600s are 1.65. any thoughts on what would be best?

Dec 3, 2010, 04:17 PM	#8
sadsadsad HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Re: Mixing Ram why is my prc chinese not found in de add tab?? i just dl it!!!

Dec 3, 2010, 07:13 PM	#9
mcdragon2 HardwareHeaven Addict Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: West, OH Posts: 252 Rep Power: 17 System Specs	Re: Mixing Ram awesome thanks Judas