Three slots for memory

[Vivienne]

Hi

 

We have a computer that had 512 mb memory made up of a kit of 2x256 MB. We bought *exactly* the same memory for upgrading except as a kit of 2x1 GB. I was expecting the technician to put in the 2 GB memory and leave one of the 256 MB in, thus using all three available slots. He, however, just put in the 2 GB and gave us back the 2x256 MB sticks.

 

Can a computer not accept kindly different size ram even if both are the same ? Both are Corsair with exactly the same specs. To use up the other slot, do I need a 1 GB or because they are 'twins', can I not use the third slot ?

 

Thanks.

 

Vivienne

[Seth]

Hi Viv.

 

Adding 256 to the 2 GB's isn't going to make any speed difference. You just get to the point in which more memory becomes redundant. Now if you wanted to add 256 to 256, well that would result in a fairly significant speed difference.

 

Are you sure the specs are exactly the same? Reason being if the 256 is slower, you might compromise the speed of the 2Gb's.

[Vivienne]

Hi Seth :-)

 

 

Are you sure the specs are exactly the same? Reason being if the 256 is slower, you might compromise the speed of the 2Gb's.

 

The specs are exactly the same but if it will not make a difference, I shall just leave it alone.

 

I have another computer that also uses that memory. It is 2 x 500 MB - would 256 MB make a difference there ?

 

Thanks!!

 

Vivienne

[Seth]

You're welcome.

 

Well that would be a 25% increase in memory, but practically the actual speed increase would be negligible under most circumstances.

 

You can try it if you want, but I don't think the benefit outweighs the risk of of something going wrong when opening the case and adding in the ram.

[Vivienne]

You can try it if you want, but I don't think the benefit outweighs the risk of of something going wrong when opening the case and adding in the ram.

 

I am going to leave well enough alone.

 

Thanks again, Seth.

 

Vivienne

[Dalo Harkin]

You could also do with checking that the timings are set right for the RAM in the PC's - most technicians, just install the RAM and let the MOBO choose the speed for it to run at.

This is not always the best way as MOBO prefer to run 'safe' and maybe underclocking the speed of your RAM.

[Vivienne]

Dalo:

 

You could also do with checking that the timings are set right for the RAM in the PC's

 

I am afraid that this is something that I do not know how to do. When I looked into overclocking many years ago, I agreed with some people's conclusion that if you do not know what you are doing, it is better to overbuy than overclock. :-)

 

I do appreciate your input.

 

Vivienne

[RandyL]

Are things working better now. If so leave well enough alone if it suits your needs. You have plenty for most users. If it isn't broke......

[Dalo Harkin]

Ok - if you are not confident with the BIOS then leave alone, but it is not overclocking.

The RAM has specific timings that it is 'optimised' to run at.

The problem is when you insert them into a MOBO, then dependant on the MOBO it will underclock or overclock.

Not very many set the timings at what they are meant to be

[Vivienne]

Randy and Dalo

 

Thanks for your replies. I am going to leave it alone as everything is working much better now.

 

Dalo, just from curiosity, how would you know what setting to have the ram at ? I am comfortable enough with the BIOS. I am not comfortable at all with opening the case and working with hardware. This is just a curiosity question, however. At the end, I am going to leave well enough alone.

 

:-)

 

Vivienne

[Dalo Harkin]

Ok for the RAM - visit the manufacturers website and find your RAM type on their it will tell you 4 or 5 settings like 5-5-5-15 Refresh 60

if you look in the BIOS and yours are LESS than what the website says its underclocked and you are not getting the performance from the RAM that it is capable of delivering

[Vivienne]

Dalo, thank you!

 

I shall check this when I am next at that computer. (It is my daughter in law's.) In the meantime, I shall check my own computer. :-)

 

Thanks very much - it sounds easy enough. :-)

 

Vivienne

[Dalo Harkin]

No problem - it is a very easy task to perform, but can give some of the biggest benefits.