Replace 2 x 1GB Memory Sticks with 1 x 2GB

[FelixtheCat]

I have 4 memory slots, currently filled thus:

DIMM 1: 2GB DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz
DIMM 2: 2GB DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz
DIMM 3: 1GB DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz
DIMM 4: 1GB DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz.

Can I replace the two 1GB modules with a SINGLE 2GB module (of the exact type of the other 2GB modules), leaving an empty slot, without any drawbacks?

 

[geofelt]

Why would you want to do that?
You will still have 6gb.

Past that, 2gb of your 6gb would have to operate in a slower single channel mode.

 

[Supahos]

No that would be a bad idea, (assuming you have them in the properly now) you are in dual channel mode if you make your switch it will now be single channel, and the same size. No reason whatsoever to make this change an open slot is of no use. If you want to upgrade in the future just buy 2x2gb later don't piece your build together that much.

 

[FelixtheCat]

Why would you want to do that?
You will still have 6gb.

Past that, 2gb of your 6gb would have to operate in a slower single channel mode.

Well the thing is although all the sticks are 800MHz, when I mix the 1GB and 2GB sticks ALL the RAM somehow defaults to 667MHz! I figured that if I remove the 1GB sticks and replace with a 2GB stick that matches the other 2GB sticks I will get back my 800MHz.

 

[geofelt]

I would not bother.
For the most part, ram speed has only a minor impact on actual app performance.

Often, using 4 sticks vs. 2, the motherboard bios will need to add a bit of voltage to the ram. Try that.

 

[FelixtheCat]

Try that.

Thanks, but try what? I already HAVE 4 sticks in.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

If your running at 800MHz on RAM or LOWER, your probably on DDR2, which in itself worthless today and totally will bottleneck a modern system. If your on a DDR2 system, you need to replace it to run modern software and hardware. Good news, PCs are like cell phones and 'disposable' these days, with Walmart selling a i3 core laptop or desktop for only $249! So it isn't worth trying to 'piecemeal' parts anymore, it costs alot more doing that way then replacing out the whole system.

 

[geofelt]

Try that.

Thanks, but try what? I already HAVE 4 sticks in.

Your motherboard bios has settings to adjust the ram voltage.
With 4 sticks vs. 2 the ram voltage setting often needs to be raised a bit.
Try raising the ram voltage setting up by .1volts above the default and see if that helps.
Use memtest86+ to check for stability.

 

[FelixtheCat]

Try that.

Thanks, but try what? I already HAVE 4 sticks in.

Your motherboard bios has settings to adjust the ram voltage.
With 4 sticks vs. 2 the ram voltage setting often needs to be raised a bit.
Try raising the ram voltage setting up by .1volts above the default and see if that helps.
Use memtest86+ to check for stability.

OK sorry in another post on this forum I said I had a Dell.
Dell locks the BIOS so you can VIEW the memory settings but NOT alter them!

 

[Tradesman1]

In a bit of a bind with your mobo, try the 2GB sticks in 1-3 and the 1GB sticks in 2-4 - might still drop to 667, but all should work in dual channel which should in part make up for the lost freq

 

[geofelt]

To get dual channel operation, you need equal capacity installed in each channel. Namely 2gb + 1gb in each channel.
Your documentation should identify which slots go with each channel. There is no standard for this.

Ultimately, it makes little difference in performance, particularly if you are using an intel cpu.
AMD chips are a bit more sensitive to ram speed. Think 2-3%
It is probably not worth much time on this.

 

[somashekharr]

Past that, 2gb of your 6gb would have to operate in a slower single channel mode.[/quotemsg]

it will be good idea

 

[FelixtheCat]

I got fed up of the whole thing and bought an i7 4770 with 8GB DDR3 1600MHz on a GA-B85-D3H motherboard. SOLVED.

 

[Tradesman1]

Glad to hear all is well