Using Two Different RAM Sticks

[rossoneri]

I have 1GB installed om my computer and i wanted to have 3GB is it possible to use the 1GB stick i have already with another one which is a different make and model?

[ChuckFickens]

yes you can if they are rated at the same speed, but why do you want 3gb of ram?

It will probably slow your computer down, 1gb is plenty for most people, 2gb might be needed for some, but not a lot.

unless you have a high end system running a 64bit OS then 3gb is probably over the top.

[rossoneri]

Where can you find the speed of the sticks?

[ChuckFickens]

http://www.crucial.com/uk/index.aspx?cpe=CHAWK uk

Click scan my system

[fo3nix]

Just to add, going for matched pairs is preferable.

Your CPU will have twin channels to the RAM, so using two of the same size sticks helps with sharing the capacity.

(i.e., 2x 1GB sticks, 2x 512MB sticks, etc.)

Unless you're using a 64-bit system (probably not), 4GB is your max. And 4GB on a 32-bit system is underutilised because of some RAM going towards the graphics or other buses on your system.

2x1GB is a nice number for most people :)

[kujawski]

i have a dell 6300 with 3 GB, which runs quicker than with 2GB

[kujawski]

and thats made up of 24 * 128MB sticks

[bexta]

You can mix and match RAM providing you Mobo and OS support the amount you want to install.

Check out Crucial as previously suggested.

The only thing to watch out for if you mix and match, is that your access to data from the processor will be as slow as your slowest stick.

Eg, if you have a 2GB PC3200, and a 1GB PC2700, it will be restricted to the lower speed of 2700.

Hope I explained that right!