Mixing RAM Capacities Lowers Speed

[FelixtheCat]

I had 4 x 1GB DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz memory and I bought 2 x 2GB DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz memory. I replaced a matching set (I kept them in matching pairs) of the 1GB with this new 2GB and ALL the memory now runs at 667MHz, not 800. If I take out the old 1GB x 2 altogether and just run with the 2 x 2GB in a pair it will run at 800MHz. Anybody explain?
I have a Dell Dimension 9200 DXP061, Core 2 Quad Q6700@2.66GHz;
Windows 8.1 x64.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SethS]

You can change this in the bios It runs at what it's limeted to by the otherram, and will run at what it's stock is when it's with anything that is same.

 

[FelixtheCat]

It's a Dell. There are no BIOS options I can change relating to RAM. I can see what RAM is there and what speed from the BIOS but cannot make any changes.
All the RAM I have is 800MHz PC2-6400, none is 667MHz.

 

[Supahos]

you tried to upgrade a OEM computer this isn't uncommon to have happen. I would just be glad the upgrade even worked. Any time you try to upgrade something you can't mess with the bios on you never know what the end result will be. Have you tried changing which sticks are in which slots? try putting the 1gb stick closest to the cpu, or the 2gb stick (whichever way you're not doing it now) and see if that helps.

 

[FelixtheCat]

you tried to upgrade a OEM computer this isn't uncommon to have happen. I would just be glad the upgrade even worked. Any time you try to upgrade something you can't mess with the bios on you never know what the end result will be. Have you tried changing which sticks are in which slots? try putting the 1gb stick closest to the cpu, or the 2gb stick (whichever way you're not doing it now) and see if that helps.

I think I tried the sticks in different slots etc. Is it a case of just get 2 more 2GB sticks for 8GB?

 

[Supahos]

There is no guarantee of that either. Computers often default to different odd speeds and bios tweaks are nearly always required with ram, which means no matter what you try it may or may not work properly at 800 MHz. 2 more 2gb sticks may work perfectly or you may be in the same boat you are now but with 8gb of memory.

 

[FelixtheCat]

There is no guarantee of that either. Computers often default to different odd speeds and bios tweaks are nearly always required with ram, which means no matter what you try it may or may not work properly at 800 MHz. 2 more 2gb sticks may work perfectly or you may be in the same boat you are now but with 8gb of memory.

Damn you Dell. Damn you computer forum. Damn you all to hell!

 

[SethS]

There is no guarantee of that either. Computers often default to different odd speeds and bios tweaks are nearly always required with ram, which means no matter what you try it may or may not work properly at 800 MHz. 2 more 2gb sticks may work perfectly or you may be in the same boat you are now but with 8gb of memory.

Damn you Dell. Damn you computer forum. Damn you all to hell!

😀 I LOVE YOU TOO!

 

[Supahos]

DELL does stand for "Doesn't Ever Last Long" right?

 

[FelixtheCat]

DELL does stand for "Doesn't Ever Last Long" right?

Haha. Well. I LOVE MY DELL. The Dimension 9200 was the best PC ever made by them! BUT. The BIOS is locked. Besides, I bought this Feb 2007 and STILL HAVE IT. Upgraded GPU->7870, upgraded CPU->Q6700, upgraded HDD->500GB Velociraptor.

 

[Supahos]

I built my computer I just retired that same year, PS died and took mobo with it.

 

[FelixtheCat]

I built my computer I just retired that same year, PS died and took mobo with it.

Just shows you:- Dells last longer than home-built PCs...

 

[Supahos]

I built my computer I just retired that same year, PS died and took mobo with it.

Just shows you:- Dells last longer than home-built PCs...

I have a distinct impression that my computer lived a much rougher life than yours... and besides it was the $10 raidmax power supply that came with a case that actually failed 7 years later. I'll take that anyday. It's twin brother (in a different case and a quality supply) is actually still playing bf4 with only a GPU upgrade.

 

[FelixtheCat]

I built my computer I just retired that same year, PS died and took mobo with it.

Just shows you:- Dells last longer than home-built PCs...

I have a distinct impression that my computer lived a much rougher life than yours... and besides it was the $10 raidmax power supply that came with a case that actually failed 7 years later. I'll take that anyday. It's twin brother (in a different case and a quality supply) is actually still playing bf4 with only a GPU upgrade.

Exactly what I use my PC for - BF4! HAD to get a RAM upgrade as it was running out of memory! With 6GB uses 4.4GB total. Anyway managed to get 2 more 2GB Elixir sticks reasonable price so 8GB 800MHz here we come! <pray>

 

[Supahos]

I love the people with 4770ks and 780s on here saying the game is unplayable I laugh knowing I have a rig with a Q6600, 8 gigs of ddr2, and a second hand GTX 280 plays it fine (granted its not on 1080p or 75 fps) but it is more than playable.

 

[FelixtheCat]

I love the people with 4770ks and 780s on here saying the game is unplayable I laugh knowing I have a rig with a Q6600, 8 gigs of ddr2, and a second hand GTX 280 plays it fine (granted its not on 1080p or 75 fps) but it is more than playable.

Haha where's the 'Like' button on this forum!
Yep I mean my Q6700 is an instance of a beautiful period in computing.
These kids don't know nothing son!