Marb750

I found out a while back that I have mismatched ram. According to SIW, they're different speeds. But I'm most concerned with the "Supported Frequencies."

slot1:256mb DDR (PC2100) 133MHz
Supported Frequencies: 100MHz, 133MHz

slot2:256mb DDR (PC2700) 166MHz
Supported Frequencies: 100MHz, 166MHz

(slot3 &4: open)
MB: Foxconn 865A01-PE-6LS
(link to Foxconn spec page)

Q1: Does this mean they're "throttling back" using 100MHz to be compatible?
Q2: If so, would this have a noticeable negative impact on gaming?

I plan on purchasing matching RAM (4x512 PC3200), but until then, I will be receiving 2 additional sticks of 256mb DDR PC2100...

Q3: Should I use all 4, including the odd-ball? Or will using only the 3 matching sticks be more noticeable for gaming?

Thanks for your time.

manic

If you get all the ram to work together with no errors, the speed will
be as fast as the slowest ram you have, 2100. I would run all of them.
If you had 2 x 512's of the 2100 I would say just run those in dual mode.
But since you only have 2 x 256's I would say run all together, I think
you will benefit more due to the quantity, rather than the speed.
You should get a matched pair and run in dual mode, you can attempt to
do this with 4 sticks matched, and it may work, but chances are greater
for failure with 4 for dual mode. 2 sticks stands a better chance at
achieving dual mode.

Marb750

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind! I went ahead and marked it as solved
(awesome avatar, btw )

manic

Thanks! Take care,,,