Using different types of Ram

Using different types of Ram Can this be done?

#1 bomni

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Posted 18 February 2010 - 04:20 PM

Hello

I am wondering if I can use different types of RAM in my desktop computer. I have done some research but its a little inconsistent
Computer specs
Purchased in 2004 or 2005
2.8Ghz Pentium 4
512megs (2x256 meg DDR400)
ATI radeon video card

First stick is 128meg pc 133
Second is 64 meg (HY57V168010D) not sure if it is SDRAM
The donor computer was manufactured in Aug 1999

Reasoning behind this are that I am a student so not made of money and I have an old computer sitting in my closet and want to see if I can use them to make my computer a little faster.

If it is possible what are the drawbacks?

#2 OldPhil

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Posted 18 February 2010 - 06:03 PM

You best bet for the correct answer is to go to one of the major ram makers sites then plug in your borad they will tell you what and how much it can use.

Phil

You can try the old ram it may or may not work, if the system is not happy with it it will not boot up! Just pull it back and go another route!

Owner of to many computers some new, some gathering dust!
Main home built ASRock ConRoe 1333-D667 3.4 dual, core 2g ram, Thermaltake TR2 430w, Galaxy 9500GT vidio, XP home SP3 working through a WRT160Nv2
Dell Dimension 3000 2g ram backup
Acer Aspire One SSD w/Flash Point for travel.

#3 bomni

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Posted 18 February 2010 - 06:38 PM

Thanks a bunch!!

#4 rayj0054

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Posted 18 February 2010 - 09:24 PM

be cautious and check the alignment slots on the bottom where the pins are older ram will have 2 ddr will have 1 situated closer to on end than the other some older m/b had both slots but make sure before you try to force it

#5 db336

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Posted 20 February 2010 - 04:02 PM

NO! you shouldn't mix ram, always use the same size and speed.

#6 Baltboy

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Posted 21 February 2010 - 09:58 AM

I agree with DB. while it should work in theory in the real world it doesn't work consistantly. It can cause a host of issues that can be avoided by always keeping the speeds, timings, latency, and preferably manufacturer the same.

#7 bomni

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Posted 22 February 2010 - 07:18 PM

I tried to put them in with someforce but after an inspection they do not line up. Oh well I`ll just have to buy some used here locally. Max I can put in is 4gigs. According to crucial I can use only to types of memory: DDR pc 2700 and DDR 3200 non-ecc only so which type is better? I assume pc 3200 is better. Not sure what the stick in my desktop are but they are 2x256 Jet Drive DDR 400. I am a noob when it comes to hardware so, forgive me.

My goal is just to be able to play some more up to date games