Combining multiple 667 and 800 DDR2

[tushar55]

I'm still learning about computers and last year, I made the mistake of adding a 2GB DDR2-667 with a 2GB DDR2-800 already there. The computer works fine, but I'm about to upgrade the system to 64 bit and add an SSD but the problem is, should I buy another 2GB 800Mhz and just use the two 800s together for 4gb or combine all three and get a performance of the 667 with 6GB.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

I'm still learning about computers and last year, I made the mistake of adding a 2GB DDR2-667 with a 2GB DDR2-800 already there. The computer works fine, but I'm about to upgrade the system to 64 bit and add an SSD but the problem is, should I buy another 2GB 800Mhz and just use the two 800s together for 4gb or combine all three and get a performance of the 667 with 6GB.

well, yes you can combine them, even though they are rated at different speeds. They will clock at 667 (being the common denominator). Or at least you should set them at that speed, otherwise you'll be overclocking the 667 dims. It would be better to use two or four dims, as opposed to three. Using 2 or 4 will keep the system in dual channel mode. If you use a third slot, it may not function in dual channel mode. What is your mobo, and CPU. I would bet prob an older intel core 2/quad?
with a bit more info, I can help more.

 

[tushar55]

What is your mobo, and CPU. I would bet prob an older intel core 2/quad?
with a bit more info, I can help more.

Bingo! The CPU is a Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 and the motherboard is ASUS P5K SE/EPU. I know it's kind of old, so I decided to just add a SSD and more RAM instead of replacing the whole mobo and CPU.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

What is your mobo, and CPU. I would bet prob an older intel core 2/quad?
with a bit more info, I can help more.

Bingo! The CPU is a Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 and the motherboard is ASUS P5K SE/EPU. I know it's kind of old, so I decided to just add a SSD and more RAM instead of replacing the whole mobo and CPU.

Your in luck, it's the same CPU that I currently have, and I've a P5ne-sli as opposed to the P5K!! So, I have lots of good advice. Personally, I wouldn't mix the dims. Normally for those systems you can get matched pairs of dims (mine is 2 x 2gb) Crucial ballistic 4-4-4-12 timings. Its is a good set for that comp. With two 2gb dims it runs in dual channel mode, and is just enough now for gaming. I would like 2 x 4gb matched dims, but they are nearly as expensive new (for ddr2) as a complete base for a new system haha. If you can get a second ddr2 800 dim to go with your original then id say that would be a good option. If you can get a new matched pair of dims then that is the way to go. If screaming fast memory, and system responsiveness isn't top of your agenda, then having all 6gb in your system won't do any harm.

It's a bit of a balancing act I know.

 

[tushar55]

If you can get a second ddr2 800 dim to go with your original then id say that would be a good option. If you can get a new matched pair of dims then that is the way to go. If screaming fast memory, and system responsiveness isn't top of your agenda, then having all 6gb in your system won't do any harm.

The second DDR2 800 dim that I will buy is the exact same model as the one I currently have. So I might have the two identical 800s and the 667 since I wont be using the computer for gaming or anything, but I would like the computer to handle multiple programs better. Would I need to adjust any settings if I go with this method?

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

If you can get a second ddr2 800 dim to go with your original then id say that would be a good option. If you can get a new matched pair of dims then that is the way to go. If screaming fast memory, and system responsiveness isn't top of your agenda, then having all 6gb in your system won't do any harm.

The second DDR2 800 dim that I will buy is the exact same model as the one I currently have. So I might have the two identical 800s and the 667 since I wont be using the computer for gaming or anything, but I would like the computer to handle multiple programs better. Would I need to adjust any settings if I go with this method?

No, you should be able to just pop them in. I would suggest though, setting the dims up in your bios to run at 667(333 fsb) speed. This will ensure everything runs smoothly. If you use the 667 dim on top of the other two, make sure to set the ram timings to that of the 667 dim.(just keep in mind the 800 (400fsb) dims will also operate at 667 speeds. But even at 667 that's plenty as the FSB on a Q6600 is 266 (533 in FSB terms Then it should be good to go. Yes it will most definitely help system to be more responsive.

 

[tushar55]

No, you should be able to just pop them in. I would suggest though, setting the dims up in your bios to run at 667(333 fsb) speed. This will ensure everything runs smoothly. If you use the 667 dim on top of the other two, make sure to set the ram timings to that of the 667 dim.(just keep in mind the 800 (400fsb) dims will also operate at 667 speeds. But even at 667 that's plenty as the FSB on a Q6600 is 266 (533 in FSB terms Then it should be good to go. Yes it will most definitely help system to be more responsive.

Thank you very much for your advice keith12, really helped!

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

No, you should be able to just pop them in. I would suggest though, setting the dims up in your bios to run at 667(333 fsb) speed. This will ensure everything runs smoothly. If you use the 667 dim on top of the other two, make sure to set the ram timings to that of the 667 dim.(just keep in mind the 800 (400fsb) dims will also operate at 667 speeds. But even at 667 that's plenty as the FSB on a Q6600 is 266 (533 in FSB terms Then it should be good to go. Yes it will most definitely help system to be more responsive.

Thank you very much for your advice keith12, really helped!

Most welcome, have a nice day, and enjoy the extra memory in your system. Hopefully it will be the difference your looking for.