Mixing RAM question...

Up to now all the RAM I have installed has been PC2-4200...
Went to the store and asked for 4Gigs of PC2-4200 and was given 4Gigs of PC2-6300...
Crucial website states that PC2-6300 is compatible with my Power Mac...
Just want to know if mixing the two is OK...or am I asking for problems...

Okay, I added the Kingston pc3200 and everything worked fine.
There were some differences in the benchmarks.
On the SiSoft Sandra memory bandwidth test, the difference was minimal at changing RAM Bandwidth Int Buff from 4791 MB/s to 4796 MB/s and the Float Buff from 4785 MB/s to 4782 MB/s.
The PC Mark2002 test was, however, better. The memory test went from 9430 to 9793. As a refference of gain, I tested the system when I put it together and with no DOC and the default BIOS settings, the memory scored 8441.
For the fun of it, I ran a 3dMark2003 test. I lost a little on this one, but that may be due to the fact that I have the case open. I installed a fan on the side cover to blow fresh air directly onto the RAM and NorthBridge and with the cover off, the fan needs to be unplugged. So looking at my core center I can see the NB temp is up to 116 F, which is about 8 to 10 degrees higher than with the cover/fan on. My 3dMark test scores went from 6012 to 5802. I don't know if the addition of the memory would do this, if it is form the cover/fan thing or maybe 3dMark2003 just doesn't like Mondays :P
So there is a difference, but probably I probably won't be able to take advantage of it. I will leave it in for a few days and see if there is a "seat of the pants" difference, whether it be better or worse.
I would love to hear people's input on these "results" or any suggestions.

Similar Messages

Mixed RAM question

I have two simple questions. I just put a couple of 1G RAM cards in my '03 model Power Mac G5, and I was wondering if I could run them along with the original 256's, or do all the RAM cards have to be the same capacity?
The other obvious question is; If I can do that, would it make any difference in the time it takes to do RAM intensive tasks like encoding video for DVD format?
Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.3.9) single 1.8 CPU 2 Hard drives 160G ea 2G RAM

The new 2 X 1G RAM is running, and it did not require anything beyond taking out the 2 X 256's and plugging the new cards in the same slots. Since the 2 G seems all right, I am still wondering if it is ok or not ok to plug the 256's in alongside the new ones. This G5 has 8 slots, 4 pairs. Now, a new question; the memory test that you mention, how do I find that. I have looked thru everyting in Apps and Utilities and Finder search,and don't see it yet. I would like to run the mem test to check the new cards.
Thanks for replying.

Mixing RAM Modules (1gig + 2gig = 3gig)

Hello,
I am about to buy a Mac Mini and I am on a tight budget. The one thing I want to do for sure is upgrade the memory, but I'm in a quandary of sorts given my budget. The retailer where I want to buy the Mini from only sells the appropriate RAM for the Mini in 2gig modules. So here's my question: I know it is possible to mix the stock 1gig stick with a 2gig stick to get 3 gig of RAM total, but will it be worth it to me? I realize that the best configuration would be to slap in 2 2gig modules in and just be done with it, but with 3gig, would I be appreciatively shooting myself in the foot and killing the machine's performance, or wouldn't I notice? I need to have the memory installed at purchase because I am physically handicapped and adding the memory myself is out of the question. And after researching how to replace memory on the Mini, I wouldn't have the courage to ask anybody I know to attempt to do it after buying it. Is mixing RAM modules a good idea?
Thanks in advance.
Malcolm

Nope, I am not confused, There does have generation between Mac mini model. Maybe not official, but we all know. Check About This Mac ---> More Info ---> Model Identifier : Macmini2,1 (That means, 2nd generation)
Macmini 3,x (means 3rd generation I supposed)
And the 3rd generation doesn't support Dual Channel, referred to Crucial.com
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Mac%20mini%20%28Intel%20Core%2 02%20Duo%202.0GHz%20DDR3%29%20MB463LL/A&pl=Apple&cat=RAM

Mixing RAM Manufacturers?

My apologies if this has been asked before; I searched the forum but couldn't find anything that answered my question properly. So-called 3rd party Memory is new territory for me.
I'm looking to upgrade the RAM in my iMac at home; it's a late 2006 20" 2.16 C2D.
I was wondering if anybody could tell me if mixing RAM by different manufactures will cause any adverse effects or instability? Of course taking into account that the memory is in perfect working order. Also, what manufacturers available in the U.K are most reputable with regards to stability and useful working life? I work in music production so good RAM and stability is a must.
Currently I am considering a single Crucial 2GB module, mainly because they seem to have a good reputation around the forum and it's very reasonable priced.
http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=5A5FD16EA5CA7304
I'm also considering buying a further 1GB module (possibly Kingston) soon after should 2.5GB in the computer not be enough.
Lastly; would there be any benefit to buying a second 2GB module (instead of the 1GB)? I know each slot can accept a 2GB stick, but I keep getting conflicting info as to whether 4GB can actually be addressed in the late 2006 white 20" iMac (despite the spec being 3 gigs).
Cheers.

£32 for one 2GB module! Now I feel seen-off. At the end of November I decided to buy just a 1GB SODIMM as that was £17 versus the £57 they wanted for a 2GB modules. Today I could have bought a full 4GB for £64. Nevermind, I don't actually need that much RAM.
At those prices I'd buy 2GB now and then 2GB later. You'll get to use 3.3GB as den.thed says and because you'll have two modules from the same OEM you'll be sure they will pair up and you'll get the benefit of matched RAM.
I'm also going to re-iterate my usual gripe about Kingston: Kingston Value RAM (slightly more than Crucial) doesn't work in Macs (Kingston themselves told me that). It caused Kernel Panics in my old iMac. If you use Kingston System Specific RAM (about twice the cost of Crucial) it'll work just as well as the Crucial.
mrtotes

Mixing ram sizes

Hello,
I recently purchased a macbook pro i7 late 2011 edition. It currently has 4GB of ram(2x2GB). I am wondering if it is possible to purchase a single 8GB(1x8GB) stick of ram and trade out one of the old 2GB sticks in order to have a total of 10GB of ram. I am aware 16GB ram kits are available but they are currently too expensive for me so atleast this way I could purchase one stick of 8GB for now and then purchase another down the road.
8GB of ram is not enough for me. So my question is if whether or not I can mix ram sticks. Please only respond if you know for a fact and why, I don't appreciate people making guesses.
Thank you!

No one can answer your question with certainty. Some people mix different RAM brands and sizes and even speeds, and don't have any trouble. Others try it and have nothing BUT trouble. No two Macs or Mac users are alike in all respects, so there's no knowing why it works for one and not for another. It's a safer bet to use exactly matched pairs, but you might be fine with whatever mismatched modules you choose. If you buy from a vendor who offers a lifetime warranty, you'll probably be able to return anything that doesn't work out for you. But you can't eliminate the chance of getting bad RAM no matter what you buy, and you can't be sure that even a good module will behave perfectly when paired with a module that you have now.
There are some vendors who offer RAM modules in pairs from one manufacturer but in unmatched sizes, and warrant them to work properly together. You may want to consider buying a 4GB and an 8GB module from such a vendor, adding a small amount in cost but giving you 12GB and a solid warranty. Here's one dependable source:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3_133 3MHz_SDRAM
Note that the extra 4GB only costs $15 more than a single 8GB module.

Mixing ram whats best

hi im currently running 3 1gb sticks of ram but one of the sticks is older than the others and only runs at 533mhz the others usally run at 800mhz but because of the older stick all sticks run at 533mhz.
my question is.
is it better to run 3gb of ram at 533mhz or 2gb at 800mhz?
here are the sticks im mixing
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/98710 andhttp://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=&ktcpartno=kvr533d2n4/1g
im running a p7n 750i sli platinum
cheers

Quote from: jimmi1 on 06-June-08, 18:27:11
hi im currently running 3 1gb sticks of ram but one of the sticks is older than the others and only runs at 533mhz the others usally run at 800mhz but because of the older stick all sticks run at 533mhz.
my question is.
is it better to run 3gb of ram at 533mhz or 2gb at 800mhz?
here are the sticks im mixing
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/98710 andhttp://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=&ktcpartno=kvr533d2n4/1g
im running a p7n 750i sli platinum
cheers
I agree with everyone on mixing ram isn't the best idea in the world, but it's certainly not the worst either. Myself, I have mixed memory on several occasions with no problems at all. While you may lose a very small amount of spped from going from 800 down to 533, it is immesuarable without a benchmark to tell you. Also, losing dual channel is a very small decrease as well. I've tested it on many of my systems and the biggest loss was only 5%.
If you need all 3GB of RAM then I suggest, after you have thoroughly tested your new ram and make sure they are 100% stable, is that pop in your extra ram and run some stability programs such as memtest86+ for overnight or longer (8hrs minimum). If you get no errors then you should be good to go.
also, to compare speed loss I'd run some benchmarks before adding the extra memory such as 3dmark/pcmark and compare them afterwards and see if it is worth the loss to you. I'm sure you won't even notice it at all without running the benchmarks telling you they are running slow.
Good luck
-=Mark=-
ps. also if you start having issues down the road then remember to remove the old RAM and retest just to be sure they aren't the culprit.

Mixing Ram with different CAS latencies in K7n2 Delta-L?

I have been using 512mb Kingston Value Ram in my computer, pc3200, with CAS latency of 3.0. I just purchased some Corsair value select 512mb ram pc3200 with CAS latency of 2.5. I know you are not supposed to mix ram with different speeds (like 400 vs. 333) but does it matter if the CAS latencies are different?
I'm running an AMD XP 1800+, K7n2 delta-L, nforce2 motherboard from MSI. Someone at a computer shop told me they tried mixing Kingston 3.0 CAS with Corsair 2.5 CAS, and said his computer wouldn't even post. So I'm wondering if this is an isolated problem, or you will always run into this problem if you mix ram with different CAS latencies.
If anyone has experience with this issue, please share with the board. Thanks!
Chris

The age old question, will the components I bought be compatible ? There are those that have bought identical matching memory that didn't work. In my case, I had an ECS K7S5A that used PC2100 Crucial memory, the sticks neither matched (at one time they did, but one stick died and they sent me the closest thing they had.). Neither of these Crucial sticks was identified by a configurator as being compatible with the K7N2 Delta L that I decided to buy. In the end, not only did both sticks work, but I put them in as single channel mode (ram slots 1 & 2), but later changed the configuration to dual channel mode (ram slots 1 & 3, even 2 & 3). It worked flawlessly in all three configurations. Sorry for the long answer, but in essence, there are no guarantees and your worries will drive you crazy. When memory is mixed, you reduce the likelihood of compatibility, even when you go beyond the recommended products that were specifically identified.
That guy at the computer shop, did he ever indicate or isolate the true reason why the memory wouldn't work ? Maybe, maybe not. I would think with a disparity in memory, the bios is the key to setting the settings for the worst stick of the bunch. Then again, the products you get might overclock to what the better sticks run at. My assumption is that mixed sticks, the bios retards settings to this in "auto" mode. When you force it manually, it may work or it may fail. One thing you oughta know, each and every stick has the manufacturers id encoded onto them at the very least, just like the firmware on other items indicates a manufacturer code and other data that allows these things to be compatible. So know you face that battle going in with any of them. If the bios programming doesn't allow it to work, from that perspective, there'll be problems.

VERY SPECIFIC RAM QUESTION (not answered in prior topics)

I have a very specific RAM question. I've been pouring through the discussions and I see TONS of stuff about the proper way to upgrade RAM. I've done that before without incident, but here is my dilemma:
I'm using the 3.0Ghz, 8-core, MP currently with 8GB of the 667Mhz RAM (8x1GB). The memory is all matched from OWC and I have had no problems.
I just bought 16GB of new RAM from OWC (4x4GB).
I'm going to remove all 8 of the current 1GB DIMM's, and place two of the 4GB DIMM's in slots 1 & 2 on riser A, and two of the 4GB DIMM's in slots 1 & 2 on riser B. That will give me 16GB's in matched pairs on slots 1 & 2 of both riser A and B.
My question is this: Should I install two of my old 1GB DIMM's in slots 3/4 of riser A, and two of the old 1GB DIMM's in slots 3/4 of riser B (for a total of 20GB's)?
I've read that having all 8 slots filled = better performance but I'm not sure the mix of 4GB DIMM's and 1GB DIMM's.
Any Thoughts?
Thanks So Much,
Tom

Optimally you want matched quads in each Riser. However, Bare Feats did some memory benchmarks that you might wish to read regarding memory performance versus different configurations. As for proper installation see the following:
Mac Pro memory arrangement photos;
Mac Pro Memory Configuration.

Mixing ram

recently got my new imac, and since i use it mostly with logic, and i respect most opinions here, i'll ask this here.
i am thinking about buying a 512 for my imac from someone on craigslist . he pulled it from a MACBOOK. i know both are sodimm and both are pc-5300 - his is hynix, i don't know what mine is. for $75 i could bump my ram by 100% which sounds great, but i've heard some people have reservations about mixing ram. thoughts?
ps. i know matched ram gives a slight performance boost, but i just need more breathing room, and $75 seems like the right price.

yeah kid i'm with jord on this
i just had a big thing with RAMS not long ago leading me to deleting everything on my harddrive and also not being able to install DVD and app been crashing alot
but after I removed them rams things runs smooth
so RAMS plays a big roll in your system, so get the best and make sure they match and work as well
stash

Mixing ram pc2100 &pc3200

My system currently has one stick of PC2100 RAM, 512MB.
I would like to bring my system memory up to a gig of RAM, but I don't want to buy another stick of PC2100, cause it won't help me for future upgrades. but i of course don't want to just get rid of the PC2100 stick i already have.
would there be any harm in mixing the PC2100 with PC3200? I know the PC3200 would just run at 133/266, just wondering if any problems/instability might occur my mixing the two.
I'll WILL match brands however, and make sure they are both Kingston Technology, cause i've heard that this kind of mismatch can definitely cause problems.

Mixing RAM such as you are proposing, is always a crapshoot. It may work ok, but I would think very hard before trying it. You might be able to make it work by setting the timings manually, but even that does not always work.
I would hate to see you buy PC3200, and then not be able to use it with the existing RAM.
You may be better off buying enough PC3200 to replace the existing RAM, while upping the total amount of ram, and avoiding the trouble all together.
While some have claimed to have no problems mixing RAM, most have had bad luck with trying it.

Mixing RAM Speeds...No Ben Hur jokes please ;)

Is it ok to mix RAM speeds. Somehow I purchased some RAM awhile back that was PC2-3200U-255 for my Quad. Oops, I never noticed that is wasn't what came with the computer, the 4200-444. Well, I just bought some more RAM at 4200-444, and noticed that I had varying speeds. Will this variation pose any problems?
Thanks!!

Thanks for the link Josef. Very informative. Unfortunately, I am still confused (my permanent state).
So I checked my invoice from my purchase and it looks like I purchased 5300 instead of the 3200 that is showing in "System Profiler". I opened up the computer and indeed it is 5300. So, is mixing the 4200 and 5300 a no no? Is the 5300 in fact being read as 3200? And doesn't the other RAM automatically run at the lowest speed, no matter what speed is highest?
Thanks, sorry that I don't get it. I did searches and am still confused.
Slow learner,
fatlanglois

Mixing ram SIZES in Late 2013 i7 27" iMac

Just assume all ram sticks are the same specs.......
Can I mix ram SIZES in Late 2013 i7 27" iMac? I.E. : two - 4 GB and two - 8 GB?

You should try to balance RAM out as equally as possible between available slots.
For example, 2 4 4 4, 2 2 4 4, 2 2 2 4, but not 2,4,8,0. And where you only have two slots, 2 2, 2 4, 4 4, and so on.

Mixing ram brand ok?

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4292564
Id like to get some of that ram but right now I have Corsair Value Select 512. The board seemed real picky as to where I put the ram and it only liked it in the 3rd slot so I figure maybe its real picky about the ram in general. I dont overclock but is mixing ram like that ok? Or should I just get another stick or value select.

Yes it does work i've just done it over the weekend. Mty son's just upgraded his PC so I pinched his old memory 2x256mb 3500 Geil.Golden Dragon 433.
Put my ballistix in slot 1 & the 2 single sided eil in 2 & 3.
at stock ballistix run 2,2,2,6 geil 2,3,3,6 so tried it at stock 1st at the lowest speed module 2,3,3,6. I upped the memory voltage a notch & jobs done. Can't get back yet to the 225 I had (dropping Cas to 2.5) but have got to 220.
Think In your case it depends what you value most 1GB or 512MB good performance memory MUSHKIN 512 MB 3200C2. Forgive the pun but its a bit like harnessing a racehorse & carthorse together. You will have to manually set your timings to slowest module Value & so won't see the benefit of the MUSHKIN. Alternatively put in the MUSHKIN & enjoy the faster timigs you can now get.
luck

HP dv9629ca Laptop (Ram Question)

Here is a RAM question. The Laptop had 2 one Gigabyte SO-DIMMs with them both installed the PC would not boot. the lights would come on but the screen remained black. I thought it was a RAM problem since when I would only put in a single stick of RAM the computer Booted no problem. I figured the one ram was BAD. Yet when i bought a 2GB SO-DIMM and added it to the 1GB already inside the computer wouldn't boot just like before. so I removed both rams and Put the 2GB stick in where the other was working and It shows 2GB now. I Know the Laptop maxes out at 4GB of RAM with a 64bit version of Windows installed. Is it possible to find a 4GB SO-DIMM and put it into the Slot that works or will it only accept a maximum of 2GB per Slot?
Laptop Details
AT newegg.ca they have a Single SO-DIMM that is 4GB the Laptop Max is 4GB. Not sure if it would read 4GB coming from a single SO-DIMM

Here are the specs for your HP Pavilion dv9629ca Notebook Computer and here is the HP Pavilion dv9500, dv9600, and dv9700 Entertainment PC - Maintenance and Service Guide for your computer. Both pieces of information indicate that 4GB (2 X 2GB) is the maximum. 2GB is the largest size supported in each slot.
You may wish to clean the slots or reseat the memory... you may also want to inspect the slots for debris or bent contacts.
Please send KUDOs
Frank
{------------ Please click the "White Kudos" Thumbs Up to say THANKS for helping.
Please click the "Accept As Solution" on my post, if my assistance has solved your issue. ------------V
This is a user supported forum. I am a volunteer and I don't work for HP.
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Mixing RAM modules on a 800Mhz machine

I have a new Mac Pro. 800Mhz. I want to install more memory but n find any 800Mhz 2Gb modules for sale as yet.
I have the option of installing 667mhz modules.
Will this cause a problem mixing 800Mhz and 667Mhz modules?

You posted your question in the wrong forum. This forum is for pre-G3 Macs. You should repost in the Power Mac G5 forums @ http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=108
That said, this will probably answr your question.
You can't use a processor speed lower (667Mhz) than that specified (800Mhz). Plus there are other restrictions. See *How do you upgrade the RAM in the Mac Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support?*
@ http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_pro/faq/mac-pro-how-to-upgrade-memory- what-type-ram.html
You can buy the 800Mhz RAM at Other World Computing @ http://eshop.macsales.com/Search/Search.cfm?Ne=5000&Ntt=MacPro+800MHz+MatchedPair&Ntk=Primary&Ns=P_Popularity%7C1&N=7318
 Cheers, Tom

Mixing RAM question...

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