Experiences mixing DDR memory modules

Would you people post here experiences mixing DDR memory modules in order to help me/others take buying decisions?
I currently have a PC2100 256MB Samsung module and a MSI KT266 PRO2 and want to buy a new module.
As I cannot find one similar to the one I already own want to assign a success likelihood before taking my decision.
Thanks in advance Gustavo.-

Had a similar problem afew week's ago. I've got 2 identical stick's of 256Mb Samsung original DDR333 Cas 2.5, decided to upgrade to 1Gb and bought a stick of 512Mb Geil DDR333 (GL2000 Chips) Cas 2.5 for 45 quid. Installed the Geil in slot 2 (with the samsung sticks in slots 0 and 1) booted up o.k
bio's and windows detected the ram just fine.
After rebuilding the windows page file I started to test the extra ram by running 3dmark 2001 but kept getting BSOD's (Irq's less then..., Page faults in non ...etc) mid way through the test's. I went in to the bio's and relaxed the ram timing's to spd, no change. Increased the ram voltage's, no change.
So I thought I'd do a fresh install of windows, but 3/4 of the way through copying the files off the windows cd I kept getting 'can't copy xxxx file from the cd', tried cleaning the cd, tried a backup cd same problem, took the samsung memory out and just put the Geil stick in slot 0, the system wouldn't even boot, but with the samsung stick's in on there own window's installed o.k. I tried the Geil stick in another system, which booted up without a hitch. So finaly I just took the Geil stick out and gave it back, the suppliers tested it and found it to be o'k and charged me 20 quid for the privalage, Ba%&!%@s.
Last week I borrowed a stick of 512Mb Twinmos DDR333, same problem's as the Geil. Seem's like they don't make them like they used to and I'm doomed to 512Mb with this board.
AMD 2400XP @ stock
Akase 821 H/F
MSI KT4 SR with v1.3 Bio's
2x 256MB Samsung DDR333 Cas 2.5 @ stock
80Gb WD 7200 Hard drive on Ide 3
Plextor 40x CD Writter
16x Lite-on DVD
MSI Geforce 4 MX440
D-Link 10/100 NIC
Q-tec 450W PSU @ > 200W Combined
Windows XP with SP1

Similar Messages

Mixing memory modules on Westmere

Dear Hardware gurus,
I have a 12-Cores Westmere. Do you know is it possible to mix different memory modules on it, namely:
6x1 Gb 1330Mhz
+
2x4 Gb 1066Mhz
and if yes, in which configuration?
Thanks a lot for any comment!

Kappy, thanks for the note.
I am actually going to order some more 1333 modules, but just for the short time I have to work with what I have currently (see my original post).
As I posted above, I tried a bit already to combine the modules and Mac doesn't boot
Can you suggest a configuration, which will work?

X58 Pro Won't See 4GB Memory Module

I have the X58 Pro with i7 965, run Win 7 64 bits, most of my appl. are video editing and rendering. it worked fine with 2GB module (Corsair) but I just bought 6 pieces of 4GB DDR3 (Micron technology). Slapped in => no boot. have tried zapped with all latest BIOS up to 8.6 (8.7 is worst). I must remove at least 1 4GB module and replace a 2Gb then CPU will boot but bios report total number of RAM = total number of 2Gg module but ignores all the 4Gb pieces, so Window took this number as total system memory.. Funny part is: MSI overclock tool reads a 4Gb module and thought it's 2 Gb (meanwhile CPUID recognized these 4Gb module). My guess is max 24Gb memory for X58 pro just a marketing gimmick from MSI since they though no one will buy this board and put 24 Gb memory in it. Month ago I've tried mix with 8 and 2 Gb pieces, it won't boot at all.
I post here to see if anyone have an idea of what's going on with this main board and 4Gb module. For other just don't go out and pay a fortune for 4Gb then get very disappoint result.
-capt3450

Quote
My guess is max 24Gb memory for X58 pro just a marketing gimmick from MSI
Well, the problem with that guess is, that it ignores the fact that the memory controller is actually part of the Core i7 processor and has therefore not directly anything to do with the board or the chipset. So basically, if you suspect a marketing gimmick, you should probably canalize such guesses directly to Intel and their processor specifications.
OK, furthermore:
The resolution of your screenshot is not high enough to be able to really read most of the numbers. Please make a better one.
Quote
Month ago I've tried mix with 8 and 2 Gb pieces, it won't boot at all.
Well, mixing different memory modules is not a good idea in the first place. It causes problems on many system configurations and should be avoided at all costs. It also doesn't help to get to the root of your actual problem:
Quote
but I just bought 6 pieces of 4GB DDR3 (Micron technology). Slapped in => no boot.
What happens if you use only one or two of your 4GB modules?
Can you provide a link to the product site for your memory sticks and/or tell us the exact model number?
What BIOS Settings were you working with (Base Clock Speed, Memory Multiplier, DRAM Voltage, timings)?
There are numerous explanations for your problems that need to be checked systematically in order to get to the root of the problems. The most crucial points are:
- Are all memory slots working properly and if not, is that because one or more are broken or because there is some sort of short circuit issue that can be avoided if the board is taken out of the case and tested on a non-conducting surface?
- Are all memory modules working properly?
- Is this a CMOS mess that could be solved by a CMOS Clear? >>Clear CMOS Guide<<
- Is the a CPU issue (faulty memory controller)?
- Is the CPU (or its contact pads) in proper contact with the pins of the board's socket? In case you happen to have a FOXCONN Socket, please check the CPU's contact pads for imprints of the socket pins.

Mixing memory module of different sizes in G5-8 slot machine

is there a problem with Mixing memory module of different sizes in G5-8 slot machine
I have 2gb on four slots with 512 memory chips
Can I upgrade my memory with 1gb chips in the remaining four slots.

Hi epospiech-
Yes you can.
Instructions here: Memory (DIMMs) Replacement Instructions
Luck-
-DaddyPaycheck

Mixing memory modules of different sizes in a Mac Mini

I have a MM Intel Core Duo with a 1.66GHz processor and 512 MB 667 MHz SDRAM. Model Macmini1,1, 32 Bits, SMC Version (system): 1.3f4.
Anybody know if you can mix memory modules in it? I have the standard 256 modules (2) and would take one out and replace it with a 1 GB one. Can this be done?
Thanks

+Anybody know if you can mix memory modules in it? I have the standard 256 modules (2) and would take one out and replace it with a 1 GB one. Can this be done?+
Yes, you can do this. You will get a slight performance hit on video, but that will be more than offset 99% of the time by the extra RAM reducing overloading of the Virtual Memory system.
However, it is enough work to replace the RAM and RAM is cheap enough, that I'd recommend putting in two matched 1 Gig modules instead.

Is it right to mix sizes of memory modules in a mac mini 2012? for example 2Gb 8Gb?

Is it right to mix sizes of memory modules in a mac mini 2012? for example 2Gb 8Gb?

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
You can do that without any problem, always that the total amount of memory is less than the maximum memory your Mac mini supports. A Late 2012 Mac mini supports 16 GB of memory, and you can find in this site the steps to install more memory > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4432?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US#1

Can I mix memory modules?

I have some memory modules left over from various upgrades and I would like to use them to upgrade my daughter's iMac which is a 2.0 GHz machine using 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM PC2-5300. I have 1 Gb of that memory from wife's iMac which is the same model but I also have 1Gb of 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM 6400 from my own 2.4 GHz iMac. Can I install them together in my daughter's machine? If I can't mix them, will the 800 MHz run in it on it's own and would there be any benefit?
I also have some 667 MHz 5300 from my laptop which appears to be the same as that in the 2.0 GHz iMac. Can anybody confirm that? Finally, is there any risk in trying any of the above?
Thanks in advance
Ron

Teufelhunden,
Hi I know you're new so let me try to educate you a little. First is trying to ask a question in someone else's thread is considered rude, it's called thread jacking. I'm sure that wasn't your intent though. Next is if you see a green star by a thread that indicates it has been answered so posting a question in a thread that has already been answered probably isn't even going to be looked at.
I would recommend opening your own thread and I'm sure you will get some people more than willing to answer your question. If I see it I'll help you too! If you need assistance on how to create a thread click above where it says "Expanding your Intel-based iMac" and then you will see a link called *Post new Topic*.
Regards,
Roger

Mix memory modules

Hi,
I have two 2 GB memory modules that I pulled from my Mac Mini.
Since they are just sitting around, I am wondering if I add them to my iMac that has two empty slots, will give me any performance boost.
The iMac currently has two 8 GB memory modules.
Adding two the 2 GB would make the total go to 20 GB.
Will this help in any way?
Is there a certain order in which I should install these modules?
Thanks
Raj

We cannot say without know the exact model of the Mac Mini. Even though RAM modules may have the same form factor and number of pins, you cannot use RAM rated at a lower speed than that of your iMac's RAM.
You iMac requires 204-pin PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMMs
Late 2012 and newer Mac Minis use the same RAM. If the Mini is older, the RAM will not work.

[865PE/G Neo2 Series] DDR Memory with 865PE Neo2-PFS Platinum

SYSTEM SPEC: 400w PSU, Pentium 4 3.2ghz 800mhz FSB (HT), Matrox Parhelia 128 8x AGP card, MSI Neo2 PFS Platinum motherboard.
Hi there. Im looking for some serious help with my computer. I have a MSI 865PE Neo2-PFS Platinum mobo and have been using 512mb DDR RAM with it- the ram is PC2700 (333mhz), non-ECC, ubuffered, non-parity, 184 pin. Now, I have just purchased a new DIMM. This one is
1gb PC3200 (400mhz), non-ECC, Unbuffered, non-parity, HIGH DENSITY- DUAL IN LINE, 128 x 64, 184 pin
It doesnt work and my system refuses to boot up. I checked out the specs of the 865PE Neo2-PFS Platinum, and it says in the table that you can only use 400mhz DDR RAM with an 800mhz FSB processor (which I have). It says it supports 400mhz RAM, "DUAL CHANNEL", non-ECC, unbuffered memory, but no mention of "HIGH DENSITY" or "DUAL IN LINE". Is there a difference between "DUAL CHANNEL" and "DUAL IN-LINE". Also, does anyone know what the difference is between 128 x 4 and 128 x 64, they are both 1gb? SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!! I have seen some RAM from the same dealer which is not "HIGH DENSITY" and has the 128 x 4 configuration, and is still a 1gb module. Is that safe to buy? What RAM do I need (in detail) for my motherboard. Thanks!

Always useful with a complete systemspec.including PSU and biosversion, so please make one.
Can´t see anything wrong with the basic RAM specification - it also matches the MoBo basic specifications:
- Supports four unbuffered DIMM of 2.5V DDR SDRAM.
- Supports up to 4GB memory size without ECC.
- Supports Dual channel DDR266/333/400/433/466/500/533 MHz and up.
Have you tried removing the old RAM and booting only with the new 1GB stick alone ?
Using mixed RAM, sometimes works in "Single mode" (see mobo manual), but is not recommended.
Running Dual-channel ( 2x512 or 1024x2 ) is preferable and gives best performance, but then you need two identical sticks.
You may also need to increase RAM voltage some in bios (example 2.7v) to achieve best stability.
If you have some RAM compability issues with 1GB sticks - 2x512 RAM stick would be safer and give better performance, unless your aiming for more then 2GB in total.
You can also read about the RAM testreport here;
http://www.msi.com.tw/html/products/mainboard/testreport_pdf/6728v2.0/memory.pdf
About "Dual In line Memory Module" - I think it´s the long version for older DIMM description.
Just like "Double Data Rate" is the long version for DDR RAM.
DDR means Double Data Rate RAM (in opposition to the SDRAM or Single Data Rate). DDR RAM bends the transfer rate for clock cycle. It can go quicker because it executes 2 instructions for cycle of clock of the RAM instead of an only instruction like it is the case of the SDR.

How to test 'Matching' memory modules - iMac G5 (ALS)

Hi there,
Does anyone know of a way of checking whether memory modules are working at 128-bit rather than 64-bit?
For reasons of cost and availability, I have installed two 1GB DIMMs from different manufacturers in my iMac G5 (ALS).
As per the Apple article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300082
The specifications seem to be matching ie, they are both:
184-pin
Non-EEC
Unbuffered
PC3200U-30330
CL3
16 devices
So, in theory, they should be working at 128-bit in dual-inline mode. System Profiler just says they are both 1GB PC3200U-30330 modules and that they are both OK.
So is there a way of telling for definite...out of interest...my computer seems a bit nippier but that could just be the increase in RAM from 1.5GB to 2GB.
??

So, when ordering RAM, what's the trick to ensure you get matched 128-bit
capability? I missed the "gotta have stats".
From my experience, the biggest issues are:
1) same number of components (same chip count front and back)
2) same CAS latency
for example, in the numbers: PC3200U-30330
the first "3" in 30330 is the CAS latency. The other numbers after that can be different, but you want the CAS latency to be the same. I don't know what the other numbers mean.
PC3200 is just the type. Most likely you have the same type. Otherwise, you'd have other problems.
I've purchased, mixed and matched, and installed several different modules, and as long as they were the same CAS latency and chip count, they registered as "matched".
You can check the numbers for your modules by going into system Profiler, and clicking on the "Memory" in the list on the left.
System Profiler is in: Apple Menu --> About this Mac --> More info.
Hope this helps.

Memory modules and hard drive not recognized

I removed and reinserted the factory installed Satellite L505D-LS5007 laptop hard drive and memory modules just as practice for installing a hard drive upgrade and an 8GB memory upgrade. The problem is obviously with the memory and not with the hard drive.
After the first practice try, one memory module was recognized. Also for a few seconds after the first practice try, I ran the PC with the battery installed, but no memory installed. I did not look in the User's Guide first to see that I should have removed the battery before removing the memory.
Now the System Indicator Lights for the HDD Activity and Memory Card Reader do not light up. The PC turns on and the display is solid black with no messages.
Before buying new memory modules, what possible ways might there be to get the PC to recognize the factory installed memory modules and hard drive again?
Solved!
Go to Solution.

When troubleshooting, I always change one variable at a time. I would hate to miss a solution by being in a hurry. In this case, you may have damaged either the RAM or the RAM slot. I would stick with the Toshiba specifications for the RAM, making sure it is the correct size, speed and type recommended. I also recommend that when you replace the RAM that both modules be from the same manufacturer, size, and specification. Try one RAM module in one slot and then the other. And then try both RAM modules in both slots. After the testing you should be able to figure if this is a RAM problem or a RAM slot problem.
In the case of hard drives, the real test is whether or not the Bios sees the hard drive. If the Bios doesn't see the hard drive, it's not going to work. The Bios should see the hard drive whether or not the hard drive is partitioned, formatted or has data on it. My experience has been that many Toshiba laptops will work fine with larger capacity hard drives provided they are the same speed in RPMs, have the same interfacing connection and physically the same size.
Again, prior to doing any work on your computer, make sure that both the AC power has been disconnected and the battery has been removed. Be careful out there. A blown repair job by a non-Toshiba tech is NOT covered under warranty.

K7T, memory modules and slowness

Bonjour à tous.
That’s the first time I post… It’s hard for me to write in english…
My motherboard is K7T Turbo (MS-6330). I have two problems :
1. I have three memory modules : 256 MB, 128 MB and 64 MB. All three are 133 MHz speed.
The memory test of Norton Utilities indicates alwys an error at an address about 356888576 (the address is not always the same, but always greater or equal than the one I wrote above.
 When just one of these three memory modules is used, the memory test is always OK (any module plugged in any socket)
 The test is also always OK with the two modules 256 an 64 MB,
 Also OK with the two modules 128 and 64 MB,
 But it is Always failed with the two modules 256 and 128 MB.
Here is my conclusion : my K7T Turbo has a problem « addressing the memory in the space around the address 356888576 and above ».
356888576 is 1545B000 in hexadecimal. 256 MB + 128 MB = 18000000 (hexa) is the only combination of my memory modules that goes ahead 1545B000 (256 MB + 64 MB = 10400000)
Do you think my motherboard is guilty ?
2. The Memory Bandwidth Benchmark of SiSoftware Sandra 2002 gives me a result about 895 MB/s.
The result is the same with one, two or the three memory modules. And It seems to me very low.
Is it possible to obtain better ? Is it necessary to upgrade the BIOS (my version is 2.9) ?
K7T Turbo
Athlon 1.4 GHz
ATI Rage Fury Pro Expert 2000
Sound Blaster Live!
Merci d'avance,
Bernard (from France)

When troubleshooting, I always change one variable at a time. I would hate to miss a solution by being in a hurry. In this case, you may have damaged either the RAM or the RAM slot. I would stick with the Toshiba specifications for the RAM, making sure it is the correct size, speed and type recommended. I also recommend that when you replace the RAM that both modules be from the same manufacturer, size, and specification. Try one RAM module in one slot and then the other. And then try both RAM modules in both slots. After the testing you should be able to figure if this is a RAM problem or a RAM slot problem.
In the case of hard drives, the real test is whether or not the Bios sees the hard drive. If the Bios doesn't see the hard drive, it's not going to work. The Bios should see the hard drive whether or not the hard drive is partitioned, formatted or has data on it. My experience has been that many Toshiba laptops will work fine with larger capacity hard drives provided they are the same speed in RPMs, have the same interfacing connection and physically the same size.
Again, prior to doing any work on your computer, make sure that both the AC power has been disconnected and the battery has been removed. Be careful out there. A blown repair job by a non-Toshiba tech is NOT covered under warranty.

Will a Presario V5120NR accept ECC (vs non-ecc) memory modules?

I cannot find anything down to that that particular level in the specs on the HP website for this particular model. I know it is DDR PC2700 333, but that is a much as I can find/glean. The original memory modules currently installed in the machine (2 256mb) don't indicate either on their stickers.
Thanks!

Non-Ecc only. Max 2GB.
Please mark the post that solves your issue as "Accept as Solution".
If my answer was helpful click the “Thumbs Up" on the left to say “Thanks”!
I am not a HP employee.

Blue screen when using 2 memory modules !!

Hi,
When I use two memory modules (installed on bank 1 and 2), windows xp fails to install randomly (sometimes at the beginning, sometimes even after a rebooting...) and generates a blue screen of death... !
However, they are correctly visible at boot time.
But when I use only one module, it works fine (I tried with the first and the second module separately). These modules are strictly the same.
What should I do now ?
Just a remark : my FSB is at 100 Mhz. Is it normal ? (newbie question)
Thanks
David
Here is my configuration :
Athlon XP 2600+
2x512 Mb DDR PC2700 (MDT)
120 Gb UDMA6 IDE master on IDE1
80 Gb UDMA5 IDE slave on IDE1
DVD UDMA2 IDE master on IDE2
Firewire disabled
RAID activated (but not used so far)
LAN and Audio enabled

I think 300 watts is a way too SMALL for what your trying to run. Check your label on the power supply and see what your 3.3 volt and 5 volt supply amperage is. Anything less than 200 watts combined or about 28amps on 3.3 and 35 amps on the 5volt is going to give you grief. You need a bigger power supply. Recommend Antec or Enermax as the solution. Antec SL350 or higher.
Newegg has good prices and great service
Antec Power Supplies

Bad memory modules or motherboard??

I rearranged the cables in my case and now I'm not able to boot using dual channel memory configuration. It worked before just fine!
I've got two 512MB twinmos twister pc3500 modules.
D-bracket indicates bad memory module if I try to setup dual channel using dimm 1 and dimm 3. I've tried other dual channel combinations with the same result.
I can only boot using dimm 1! using the other slots get me the bad memory module status on the d-bracket. I've tested both mem modules in slot 1 and I am able to boot so it seems the mem modules are OK. Or are they OK for just single channel config?
Do I have a faulty motherboard or are the memory modules bad?
MSI 865PE neo2 fisr rev 1.00
2x512MB twinmos twister pc3500

Christ! what is it with these MSI boards?
The 2 848P's i tried both worked fine with a single 512mb strip in, but put another in and the D Bracket Light 2 stays and the PC fails to boot or reboot properly - it's totally hit n miss.
See my thread for the unbelievable amount of problems i've had with the 848P! :
http://www.msi.com.tw/program/e_service/forum/index.php?threadid=31192&sid=
I'm RMA'ing both 848P's as i've tried everything, now even the forum moderators say rma the boards so i know its nothing trivial happening here... They're even going to get MSI to look at my thread - so hopefully they will take notice!
Am i to take it that the 865 also has similar problems, ffs!
Is there a stable MSI mobo available that will take 2 DDR's sticks or not?

Experiences mixing DDR memory modules

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