tokyotech

I currently have 4 x 256MB DDR2 400 MHz sticks on SDRAM. I want to toss out two of them and replace them with 512 MB ones. My computer supports both 400 and 533 MHz models that are unbuffered and non-ECC. On www.newegg.com, some of the 533 models are cheaper than the 400 models. Should I go ahead with the 533's? Will the 533's slow down my computer more than the 400's because they are incompatible with the two remaining 400's? Someone told me that RAM will run at the slowest of the 4 cards you have. If the 533's have to slow down to accommodate the 400's will there be some sync issues?

MunkyPhil

Your RAM will slow itself down to the speed of the slowest component. If that is your RAM, which it likely is at DDR2 400, then your 533MHz will run at 400MHz. There won't be any sync issues but make sure you don't run them in dual channel as this can cause instability issues. Check your motherboard manual for the RAM's dual channel population rules.

tokyotech

My manual says that I need to install in pairs of equal size and speed.

What do you mean by not installing them in dual channel? I know for sure that within each pair, they can't be different speeds. But what about if within each pair the sticks are identical, but one pair is faster than the other pair? Is that OK? No Problems?

twajetmech

If your mobo supports running the memory in dual channel mode then you should use matched pairs of memory for best performance and compatability....to run in dual channel mode with all 4 dimm slots populated ideally you would have all 4 memory modules that are the same (2 sets of matched pairs) attempting to run 2 X 256 and 2 X 512 is hit or miss if it will work, your best bet would be to ditch the 2 X 256 and run the 2 X 512 and get another 2 X 512 when you can....since you are running Vista you'll appreciate the added gig of ram...Vista works well with just 1gig, but runs much better with 2gigs

tokyotech

So if I have DDR, all 4 slots must be the same size and speed? I have to throw out all 4 of my 256MB cards? Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

twajetmech

No, you can run any combination you want....but ideally, for the best performance/compatability its best to have either 1 matched pair 2 X 256 or 2 matched pairs 4 X 256. Since you want to replace 2 of your 4 256 modules with 2 512 modules, you may run into timing issues and possibly voltage issues, along with loosing running with 1T timiing trying to mix memory module size and mfg's (possibly, it would help to know what mobo you have along with the rest of your components incl your psu) It may work, depending on which chipset/mobo you have, some are more finicky than others.

dai

sell them on ebay

tokyotech

Does Dual Channel mean the same thing as DDR2?

This is my computer: http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...on+4700+Series

Do I have it? And does this computer still need ALL 4 sticks of RAM to be exactly the same?

twajetmech

DDR2 is the type of memory you need, dual channel is how it may or may not operate, Your computer has the 915 chipset wich supports DDR2 memory and can operate that memory in dual channel mode for better performance, thus we reccomend when repacing or upgrading your memory that you do so by purchasing a matched kit. You can have either 2 modules of memory that are a matched pair, OR, have 4 memory modules that must also be a matched set. IMHO your best bet would be to get rid of the 2 X 256 modules you have now, and replace them with a 2 X 1Gb matched set....that will give you more than enough memory to run Vista and leave 2 dimm slots available to add to later on if you need it

tokyotech

Then I have to throw out all four of my 256MB 400Mhz cards just to upgrade? Isn't that a huge waste? Sigh... I can't believe that they don't make backwards compatible RAM.

twajetmech

It is backwards as far a speed of memory is concerned, however there was a reason (as you now understand) why you had 4 256 modules. Unmatched memory runs the risk of having different timings and voltages which can cause instability or failure to work, while ithere is always a brave soul who manages to get odd mixed memory to work, its just not worth the fustration to attempt to try it imho. You can sell the 256 modules and get a good 2 X 1Gb matched kit as reccomended by Crucial, frankly I'm amazed at how inexpensive DDR2 has gotten so quickly.

MunkyPhil

The DDR2 you have is compatible with the dual channel kits, it's just that the RAM sticks in the kits are made and selected to run well each other, their timings, capacities, speeds, manufacturers and batchs are all the same - this is essential to run in dual channel, you can mix and match as long as you run in single channel (your motherboard manual will tell you how to install in dual channel and single channel). You could end up getting errors otherwise.

You could get the 2x1Gb as twajetmech wisely suggested, freeing up two slots, and you can recoup your losses by selling your old RAM (there's always a market for old bits) or you could upgrade a bit, run in single channel with mixed RAM and lose out on the 15-20% performance increase. It all depends on your budget and whether you personally think you need to upgrade, is your computer slow? I think 1Gb is a good number for the time being but with the power of new programs and games it might be a good idea to go for 2Gb depending on your usage.

tokyotech

On Vista, Unreal Tournament 2004 is noticeably slower than compared on XP. I suspect it's a RAM issue... I could be wrong. I can't pwn people anymore. For the love of God, nooooo!!!

twajetmech

I find no problems running UT on vista, in fact visually I find in Vista graphics look better, in Far Cry, UT, and HL2, that said, the specs on your computer stated you have intergrated graphics, which will not game very well for one, and the amount and speed of your ram will have a great impact on gaming performance....topped with Vista which is a memory hog and you would notice reduced gaming performance with your current setup. Luckily, your mobo has a pcix slot, so you can buy a descrete graphics card as an upgrade....along with the added memory, should improve your gaming and overall performance nicely.

tokyotech

I have an ATI Radeon X300.

twajetmech

The x300 is a low end videocard, more in line with a fx 5600 at best....playing UT with AA/AF with the x300 is not going to be all that great no matter what you do unless you upgrade your videocard and psu....which at this point would probably not make economic sense, since the Dell 4700 was a value line of computers to begin with not intended for graphic intensive gaming nor intended to run Vista.

speedster123

Proprietary power supply?
http://www.pcpower.com/products/powe...ector/dell.htm

twajetmech

More than likely its got one or two proprietary connectors from Dell, and as with most mass produced computers from Dell comes with a poor excuse for a psu.

tokyotech

I guess it's not worth upgrading my crap computer. I'll wait for a new one.

Are there issues with hard disk speed compatablity as there are with RAM? I have a 80 GB SATA @ 7200 RPM. If I buy a second one, does it have to be the same size and/or speed? I'm thinking about getting this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152052

twajetmech

Luckily no, it does not...unless you're planning on running a raid