Ram Question

[dhyta23]

Hi, i've been running 2gb (2x1gb) of ram since building my system in october with a 4870 512mb.

I was quite tight for cash at that time and looking to put some more in now.

If I was to buy 2x 2gb sticks will it affect the system much being in the system with the standard 2x 1gb I have already? Or should I just buy another 2x1gb (same version) for 4gb.

I will be using Windows 7 too and buy it when it comes out. Currently im on XP.

My samsung 320 gb Hdd also started getting S.M.A.R.T error around December time too, If I was to RMA (never done it before). Would it be too late now? and what do I do about packages as it came only in a anti static bag?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[kalniel]

Hi, i've been running 2gb (2x1gb) of ram since building my system in october with a 4870 512mb.

I was quite tight for cash at that time and looking to put some more in now.

If I was to buy 2x 2gb sticks will it affect the system much being in the system with the standard 2x 1gb I have already? Or should I just buy another 2x1gb (same version) for 4gb.

It's absolutely fine running 2x2gb as well as 2x1gb. If you were running overclocked RAM you might notice that you couldn't tune the timings as close as with all the same kind of RAM, but for stock speeds there's absolutely no difference.

My samsung 320 gb Hdd also started getting S.M.A.R.T error around December time too, If I was to RMA (never done it before). Would it be too late now? and what do I do about packages as it came only in a anti static bag?

You'd need to check the details of the warranty it came with. Unless the warranty specifies original packaging only then you're fine with 'secure' packaging, so bubble wrap and/or cardboard box with padding would probably be fine.

[dhyta23]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I don't overclock my system but should I get the 2gb sticks would the timings be noticeable or be a hinder. My currents are 4-4-4-12, should I match em up?

[Queelis]

If you don't, I think, all memory will work with the slower timings.

[dhyta23]

Looks like my ram is actually 5-5-5-15 (8500)

I actually didn't know this :S

Will 2x1gb (8500) 5-5-5-15 work Ok with 2x2gb (6400) 4-4-4-12?

Or just grab the same 2x1gb (8500) 5-5-5-15 to make it 4x1gb the same brand and spec?

Not gunna OC and will be running W7. I'm half decided :/ Is 4Gb enough or should 6Gb be better?

On one hand its lower Ram amount but all the same guts or alternatively Mix guts but more Ram...


Oh Dilemma