(Vanity)Question about installing RAM

Vanity | June 12, 2009 | Me, myself, and I

[Vigilantcitizen]

I'm going to install 1 GB ram in a friends computer. He currently has 512 mb. Can I leave the 512 installed with the 1MB, or do I need to take it out. I was under the impression that both RAMS would have to be the same.

Thanks in advance.

[Vigilantcitizen]

Thanks again.

[stuartcr]

You’ll just end up with 1.5G RAM

[Ancient Drive]

you can. I would. only thing is make sure they are the same type and clockspeed memory.

[Vigilantcitizen]

But it would work? I thought both RAM chips had to be the same value.

[WVRockDJ]

If it’s an older computer or different memory speeds, you may hit a snag. Otherwise, leave it in and end up with a gig and a half RAM.

[gjones77]

You haven’t had to have matched pairs since SIMMs, you can leave the 512 in and add the 1gb.

The only reasons people think that you have to have matching pairs now is that you can run memory in what referred to as “Dual Channel”, meaning that the memory runs a bit faster when you have 2 sticks of identical memory size and model from the same manufacturer, though it isn’t needed to run in single channel mode.

So you’re all set!

[The_Victor]

RAM modules need to be the same speed. Don't have to be the same size. I think you can mix different speeds to, but all the memory will operate at the slowest speed,.... I think.

[Ancient Drive]

and make sure you ground yourself and all power cords are disconnected before you touch the motherboard. static discharge will cause you headaches for a long time.

[AppyPappy]

They do not have to be the same unless you want to run dual channel.

How many RAM slots does he have open?

[Vigilantcitizen]

you can. I would. only thing is make sure they are the same type and clockspeed memory.

They are both DDR2. Thanks for the input.

[agere_contra]

I imagine the blocks of RAM are the same type and frequency? If so, shove them both in!

[gjones77]

You can mix and match speeds, but you have to run them at the speed of the lowest one.

[WVRockDJ]

On some newer machines, mismatched ram sticks (say one’s a 2400 speed, the other 3200) will make the machine run at the speed of the slowest RAM stick. IIRC.

[Vigilantcitizen]

How many RAM slots does he have open?

I dunno. Haven't opened the computer yet. I looked up the ram specs in the control panel.

[Dallas59]

Make sure how much RAM the computer can take and what kind of RAM.

For a detailed system info program try SIW...

System Information for Windows

It's free and no spyware.

[justlurking]

Is there a single 512-MB DIMM now?

How many slots are in the motherboard?

If there are 2 slots, I'd install only one DIMM.

If there are 4 slots, you can try installing each DIMM in alternate slots. If the slots have different colors on the retention tabs, install a DIMM in each color.

It should "work" in any case. But, you may suffer degraded performance. You can test the performance of each configuration with this:

http://www.memtest.org/

Note that you have to burn this to a CD and boot from it. You need CD-burning software that knows how to burn an ISO. If yours does not, you can find a simple one here:

http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/

[DustyMoment]

As long as there are sufficient RAM expansion ports, you add as much as you like in whatever increments you want. The two RAM SIMMs of DIMMs do not have to be the same size.

Also, when installing the RAM, remember to ground yourself to avoid destroying the RAM from ESD before your friend ever gets a chance to power his computer on and use it.

[Vigilantcitizen]

Thanks for all the replies. I have to go back to work. I’ll check in later.

[Big Giant Head]

and make sure you ground yourself and all power cords are disconnected before you touch the motherboard. static discharge will cause you headaches for a long time.

I unplug all power, and take off my shoes. Good advice on this thread.

[stuartcr]

Nope, just buy the recommended RAM for the computer. When you boot up after, it will recognise both and tell you, you have around 1.5G.