'Unmatched' pairs of RAM modules

[AD-15]

hello,

I was looking at buying 2GB (2x1GB modules) of Corsair Value memory, but the pair I'm after (DDR2 SODIMM 667) is out of stock. Instead, I was advised just to purchase two seperate 1GB modules of the same brand. Will this be a problem, as the modules won't have been tested together, and therefore wouldn't be a 'matched' pair? Would my laptop still automatically run them in Dual Channel mode?

Thanks in advance!

[peterb]

I not sure that even buying a pair are matched in that they have been tested together, but they are more likely to be from the same batch, and have the same chips from the same mfr.

You would probably be OK buying the 2 1Gig sticks at the same time, particularly from somewhere like Scan who will buy in large quantities and therefore also be from a same batch. having had that problem before (memory not working together) I know Scan have been very helpful in accepting the return because it didn't work with my existing stick, but you may wish to confirm with them first. (I am assuming that you are buying from Scan! )

[AD-15]

hello,

OK, thanks a lot for your help mate.

[nightkhaos]

Believe or not in order for RAM to work in dual-link or trr-link setup the modules do not have to be the same brand or even in the same batch, all they require is that they use (or can use) the same timing settings and that they are the same size.

However, finding RAM of identical times between competting brands is troublesoom to say the least, so that is why it is an accepted practice for people to buy modules which are exactly the same brand and model.

Batches don't affect this, althrough it is generally better to get RAM from the same batch because they will have very similar properties, and the subtle (minor) differences in times (we're talking in the rango of pico-seconds) from difference batches will result in more stable performance when the RAM has been overclocked.

I hope this helps.

[vicar]

Too true