DDR2 memory options

[prasad1979]

Hi guys,
Upfront, I must admit that I’m newbie in hardware but forced to tinker due to sluggishness of my system.

This is my present configuration –
CPU – Intel Core2Duo E4400 @ 2.00GHz
Motherboard – Gigabyte GA-945GCMX – S2
RAM – 1GB PC2-5300 (333 MHz), DDR2-667, single channel (make – Hyundai), second slot is empty.

Now, after 5 years my Windows XP (32 bit) system has become slow hence I want to add RAM in second slot while also retaining existing 1GB chip.
Following RAM chips are available in market –

Option A: 2GB Transcend DDR2-667 / PC2-5300 PC RAM (part number JM667QLU-2G).
Option B: 2GB Transcend DDR2-800 / PC-6400 PC RAM (part number JM800QLU-2G).
Option C: 2GB Kingston DDR2-800 / PC-6400 PC RAM (part number KVR800D2N6/2G).

There hardly any difference in price of these chips. Hence which chip will be suitable / optimum to work with existing 1GB chip?

Regards,
Prasad

 

[jjs0891]

when you mix-match speeds, the lowest speed will be used for both memory. So get the cheapest one.

 

[Supahos]

That board only supports 667 mhz memory so pick a kit with that speed, but pick a kit that is 2 sticks @ 1gb a piece (board only supports 2GB total. Get rid of your current stick. This will give you the advantage of dual channel mode in addition to having twice as much memory.

 

[RCguitarist]

That board only supports 667 mhz memory so pick a kit with that speed, but pick a kit that is 2 sticks @ 1gb a piece (board only supports 2GB total. Get rid of your current stick. This will give you the advantage of dual channel mode in addition to having twice as much memory.

I agree with Supahos.

 

[prasad1979]

That board only supports 667 mhz memory so pick a kit with that speed, but pick a kit that is 2 sticks @ 1gb a piece (board only supports 2GB total. Get rid of your current stick. This will give you the advantage of dual channel mode in addition to having twice as much memory.

Thanks for your reply. However pl. see this extract from Gigabyte website.
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2521#sp
"
Motherboard supports following Memory -
Two (2) DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory)
Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM
Supports dual channel DDR II 667/533 DIMM
"
Hence, I wish to upgrade my RAM from 1GB to 3GB by adding 2GB stick. I guess option A 2GB Transcend DDR2-667 / PC2-5300 PC RAM (part number JM667QLU-2G) is most suitable.
What do you think?

 

[Supahos]

It will likely work but once you start mixing kits there is no way to know. If you're sure it will take 4gb, then buy a 2x2gb kit and it will be sure to work together, and give you 4x the memory. That is probably your best bet. Your option is likely to work, but not guaranteed since your mixing brands, and sizes.

big box computer companies mix things all the time but they have hundreds of each type of memory laying around and can make sure to find two that will play nice together, You don't have a that luxery.