Mixed Memory Question

[cnstarz]

I have right now 2x512 PC3200 sticks in my comp in dual-channel setup or whatever. I came across a 256mb PC 2100 memory last night that I had laying around. Would I benefit if I added the 2100 to it to make it 768mb RAM, but at 2100 speed(it will drop to 2100, right?), or should I leave it at 512MB @ PC3200?

[Drisler]

What kinda system do you have ? CPU? Motherboard? What settings ?

If you've manually set your system to run at DDR400 speed..then you'll have instability or you probably won't boot, if you install the PC2100.

If you have it set to Auto or SPD, then all modules will run at pc2100 speed. If your processor, needs more than PC2100 you will loose performance. The extra 256mb isn't likely to make up for it, in most appz, especially games.

No permanent harm in trying tho. Maybe your PC2100 will keep up with your 512x2 at PC3200 speeds..with extra voltage and relaxed timings. Do lots of stress testing.

[BWM]

I'd leave it as it is now with 2 x 512. An extra 256 megs isn't going to make a lot of difference, not enough to make up for the very likely fallback to PC2100.

[cnstarz]

I guess I should put my specs in my sig.

ASUS P4C800 Mobo
Pentium 4 @ 2.4GHz
Nvidia GeForce3 64MB

You can see my system here.

This was tested with the memory in it. The test says its only 128MB, but I'm pretty sure the sticker on the memory says 256MB. I'll have to look at it again when I get home.

[BWM]

My apology, I'm not up on intel based boards, so ignore my comment regarding memory speed fallback.

[Drisler]

No ...stay with 2x512. Running 3 sticks will force you into single-channel mode on an Intel rig. You dont want that

[cnstarz]

K, thanks!

Edit: Another question:

I'm building a new computer as follows:
ASUS A8N-SLI Premium
AMD Athlon64 x2 4400+
eVGA 7800GT 256MB
2x512 Corsair XMS PC3200 Ram
Western Digital Caviar RE 250GB SATA150 HD
ASPIRE x-Navigator ATXA8NW-BK/500 w/ 500w PS

I'm just waiting for the CPU to get here.

Would it be a problem to use my current RAM with the new stuff on the new board? I don't want these sticks to go to waste.

[Drisler]

It wouldn't be problem to use the old ram as well. You will need to manually set the memory timings to that of the slowest pair of modules.

Going from a Geforce 3 to 7800, eh ?
You'll love it.

[cnstarz]

Yeah, I can't wait! All I'm waiting for now is the x2 4400+ to get here. I'll be the happiest person in the world once it's done.