Different Speed Memory Sticks?

[thejimbo]

I have this motherboard with this memory in the first channel but have now acquired this extra set x 2 and was wondering if it is worth putting the extra memory in?

I understand it will run all the memory at the lower rate 667mhz but would the extra 4GB be worth it and what could be the possible side effect? Unstable system? Random reboots?

Any help and advice appreciated.

[McstylisT]

Interesting question.

I think in general if you have more then its going to be better. Although the ECC 667 ram will be slower in performance I would think you would not notice it.

Do you use XP or Vista. ?? And 32bit or 64bit

Using 32bit will only allow 3.25gb to be used. You would need 64bit to use all 4gb.

You could just sell off the ECC and just obtain a 2x2GB set of the corsair you use. Better and faster memory and not that expensive.

McT

[aidanjt]

I'm not sure your motherboard supports FBDIMMs, but you could try. The BIOS (should) set the memory bus rate to the lowest common denominator, unless you have it set manually. The thing is though, if you haven't paid for it yet, I wouldn't. Just get the same pair of sticks as you already have. They're faster, cheaper, and will work with your motherboard.

[thejimbo]

aidanjt - I already have the memory, it was a freebie. WHat is FBDIMMS and how are they different to my current ones?

McstylisT - Using XP at the moment 32bit. Probably worth upgrading to the 64bit Vista or XP to get the whole 6GB experience?

[aidanjt]

FBDIMMs are fully buffered DIMMs, it's the memory sticks you use with Xeon workstations and servers.

If you already have 'em, I suppose you could use them, but whether you need a full 6GB whack of memory or not depends on what you use your computer for. I'm frequently running several Virtual machines in parallel as well as a number of other memory intensive tasks, so it made sense for me to buy 8GB since it's so cheap. But for most 4GB is excessive, and for people who just use their computer for basic apps, 1GB is plenty. But again, it all boils down to what you use your computer for.

[jonskyline]

aidanjt - I already have the memory, it was a freebie. WHat is FBDIMMS and how are they different to my current ones?

McstylisT - Using XP at the moment 32bit. Probably worth upgrading to the 64bit Vista or XP to get the whole 6GB experience?

Id choose vista 64bit over XP 64bit, and i agree with what aidanjt said.