Dual-channel problem

[ziblu90]

I'll try to keep it short and brief. Basically, I've just bought a 2GB corsair ram stick this morning (to add on top of my 2*1GB already in place). I found out that Windows won't boot this way (Win 7 32-bit), but on its own the 2GB stick works fine. Is there a way I can make these 3 work together or do I have to get another one so that I'll have 2*2GB?

 

[ziblu90]

I think I know what's the problem.... the new ram that i got is 800 while the other two are 675.

 

[maxinexus]

This should not be an issue you can manually downgrade 800 to lower frequency. Obviously your older rams cant handle 800.

 

[geekapproved]

You haven't even told us what motherboard so can't answer that question.

Most motherboards require "like" sticks in pairs for dual channel mode. You cannot run 1 or 3 sticks of memory in dual channel mode, you need 2 sticks or 4 sticks, however it should not keep the computer from booting, it should still run fine.

Not only are you not running sticks that are different speeds, but you likely also running sticks with different voltages and timings which you cannot run together.

Like maxinexus said you can run your 800's at 667 to match the older stick if you want, but you'll also need to match the voltge and timings as well.

You must have just thought that you can run ANY DDR2 stick with ANY other DDR2 stick.......you can't. That's like saying your your Ford V6 just died and you went out and got a Toyota V6 and wondering why it won't fit.

 

[mubin]

You are right, you have to use same frequency memory module.

 

[ziblu90]

So first of all my motherboard is an MSI K9AG, and secondly, yes I did try setting the speed to 667 in bios but still got nothing. So what do you guys think is the problem, coz im gonna take it back and get another one, so i wont make same mistake?

 

[geekapproved]

What do we think is the problem?

Didn't you just determine the problem?

You need to buy a matching 2x1GB kit to match the ones you have now or you need to buy another 2GB stick to match the one you just bought.

It needs to be the same size, speed, timings and voltage, not just the same speed.

 

[ziblu90]

ok, so i'll get a 2*1GB instead of this new one. now one last question, how do i check the timing and voltage exactly?

 

[ziblu90]

These are the ones I currently have:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145015

 

[geekapproved]

4-4-4-12 @ 1.9v

The timings, speed and voltage are usually on a sticker on the dimm itself.

I don't know if you'll be able to find that ram exactly.

 

[ziblu90]

I've just decided to buy another 2GB stick like the one I got today, and get rid of the old ones. Probably that's the best thing to do, considering maybe future upgrading as well. Since my mobo supports a maximum of 8gb ram (if im not mistaken) and this way ill have 4gb with 2 slots used and another 2 slots free. Thanks for all your help mate.

 

[geekapproved]

Good choice. Now you can sell those old sticks on craigslist. DDR2 is just going to get more expensive.