Suggestion about RAM

[darkBagus]

Dear All,

I am planning to buy a 1 GB DDRAM to add my computer spesification but it already has 768 MB DDRAM PC3200 (512 + 256). My question is, which one is more better, add 512 MB or 1 GB?
Because my friend said that it is better if I add memory which has the same speed (for example 512 + 512 than 512 + 1 GB).
Thank you for your response. :cool:

[jlreich]

It depends. Does you system have dual channel ram capabilities? If it does I would add just the 512MB to keep dual channel working.

If it doesn't then add the additional 1GB.

If your are not sure if your system can do dual channel ram, post the make and model and we can check it out for you.

[darkBagus]

This thread should be titled Need a suggestion about RAM eh? :p sorry for my mistake.
Thank you for your quick response.
My Mobo does have a dual channel since it has a dual RAM slot (is it mean that my Mobo support dual channeL?), I am forgot its type, as long as I know, it is ASUS and support intel 915. So its true then if add the same speed is better than add 1 GB DDRAM?

[jlreich]

Most of the 915 chipsets support dual channel ram except 915PL. So you need to make sure what chipset you have.

Just because you have more than one ram slot doesn't mean you have dual channel ram support. It's a function of the chipset, not the ram itself or the ram slots.

"Dual channel ram" means that two like sticks of ram works together in such a way that the speed of the ram is more or less doubled. Which is a really good thing. :D

If you do have dual channel support you need to install ram in matched pairs (speed and size) for it to work in dual channel mode. If the two sticks are not matched then the ram will only work in single channel mode. That's why I say if you can do dual channel ram it's usually better to have 2x512MB running in dual channel mode than to have 1.5GB running in single channel mode.

But if you don't have dual channel ram support it really doesn't matter if they are matched. You can have 1GB in one slot and 512MB in the other without taking a performance hit. Although you would want to put the biggest stick in the first slot.

You need to provide the model# of your motherboard or the brand/model# if you bought it pre-built for me to give an accurate suggestion.

[darkBagus]

My Chipset is Asus P5GPL-X 915PL, and the product spesification said that my Mobo support dual channel memory. Please kindly explain to me....
Thank you for your help

[jlreich]

After looking at Asus's website it is indeed dual channel capable.

In that case I would suggest only adding another 512MB stick. Or better yet get 2x1GB and sell your old sticks. :D Either way as I explained above, you need to install the ram in matched pairs. If you were to install a 512MB and a 1GB it would break dual channel mode and you will lose performance.

When your DDR400 ram is running in dual channel mode it basically increases the speed to an effective DDR800. :cool:

1GB (2x512MB) DDR800 is better than 1.5GB (1x512MB and 1x1GB) DDR400 in most situations.

[darkBagus]

Dear Mr. Jlreich....

Thank you so much for your detailed explanation...I really really appreciate it...
I think I will get 512 Mb instead of 1 Gig....short on cash hehehe:p
Thank you once again

[jlreich]

You're certainly welcome. :)

[Stick]

Hi jlreich,

My Current system is Intel D845GBV MOBO with Pentium 2.4 processor.

RAM is 128*2 Hundai - PC2100 (133 Mhz)

I want to add 512 memory in One Slot so I can use 128+512 memory.

But one of my Hardare Delaer ask me to use Same Speed RAM to avoid any Conflict with System, but at same time I read your thread here.

So what is your suggestion? Shall I go for Same speed 2 RAM Stick or Shall I opt to buy 1 512MB RAM and install in in one Socket?

Thanks.

[jlreich]

Stick, it's best to start your own thread so as not to cause confusion with the original poster. Although your question is very much related to darkBagus's.

That being said, your mobo does not support dual channel ram. So you can mix your ram without performance loss. You do want to put the largest 512MB stick in the first slot though. This is so the largest stick gets filled up with data first and you will take a performance hit less often when the first stick fills up and the system has to switch to the next stick to continue storing/retrieving data.

my Hardare Delaer ask me to use Same Speed RAM to avoid any Conflict with System
The speed he is referring to is the 'DDR266 (PC2100)'. Although your system does not support it I would recommend getting DDR400 (PC3200). 95% of the time it will work in a system that only supports lower speeds. It will run at the lower DDR266 speeds but it is easier to find, cost the same and will be easier to sell or use in another system at a later date.

I think your dealer is just being cautious about mixing the speeds (or he really doesn't know what he is talking about :rolleyes: ). But like I said it is rare for it not to work. I have a stick of 512MB DDR400 running along side a 512MB DDR266 in an older system that only takes DDR266 right now with no problems. If you are worried about it make sure you can return it for exchange in the rare case it doesn't work.

Just to clarify, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB all refer to the size in MB that the stick can hold in data and has nothing to do with the speed. DDRxxx (PCxxxx) refers to the speed.

[Stick]

Stick, it's best to start your own thread so as not to cause confusion with the original poster.

Sorry Jlreich,

Thanks for reply!

[Stick]

My Dealer have Transcend 512 - 400 DDR1, will it OK with my system

[jlreich]

I always stick with the known good brands. Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, and Patriot. They all have a lifetime warranty and are known to just work.

[Stick]

I always stick with the known good brands. Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, and Patriot. They all have a lifetime warranty and are known to just work.

But here at my place, dealer never interested to sell Stuff what suggest Online, they always have something different and if I dare to ask and buy what suggest here they finally said "Don't Blame me if any Problem Arise" and these words make me to compromise with Dealer and buy what they refer.

Any way this time I try what suggested here now please tell me which of Kingston/Corsair memory (256 and 512) will suitable for my system.

Shall I go with DDR1, please help me as I have ZERO knowledge about PC Hardware.

[jlreich]

Yes you want 512MB DDR400.

Both Corsair and Crucial's memory configurations list DDR400 as compatible with your motherboard. Kingston does not, however, I would bet it would work just the same. But just to be sure I would go with either Corsair or Crucial.

Here are a couple links for reference.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145026

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146532

[Stick]

Sorry, contact you soon