halloweddragon Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I have 2x512 MB of memory at a latency of 5-5-5-12. The question is can I add 2x1024 of the same latency and speed (800 MHZ) without risking damage? And what BIOS configuration should I use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekT Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 It's a bit of a dice throw when you mix and match DRAM. Add that to the issue of populating 4 DRAM banks you might have problems. The memory controller can not keep up with the extra DRAM at the rated speeds so you will very likely have to drop a throughput level. ie 8500 (1066MHz) to 6400 (800Mhz) or 6400 (800Mhz) to 5300 (667Mhz). This is a problem of all 4 banks being populated. Download memtest from http://www.memtest.org and extract the ISO image. Burn the ISO image to an CD-ROM disk. Enter the BIOS and load default settings, save default settings. Shut the system down. Remove the 2 X 512MB and insert the 2 X 1024MB. Restart the system. Boot to the optical drive with the memtest disk and allow for two full passes. I would not even insert the 2 X 512MB sticks as problems can occur and I have seen issues of board damage. I have also seen them work. However, it is just not worth the extra 1GB to take the chances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted November 9, 2007 Corsair Employees Share Posted November 9, 2007 Derek is correct, mixing memory is not suggested. If you need more than 2gb I would suggest one of our 2 x 2gb kits that is suitable for your board. Please check with the Corsair Memory Configurator to find the best memory options for your system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halloweddragon Posted November 11, 2007 Author Share Posted November 11, 2007 Thank you for your replies. I will do that. This is a proof that a hardware seller does not have the best interests for his clients. I have asked the guy from the store if I could do this combination without any risk....and guess what he answered.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekT Posted November 11, 2007 Share Posted November 11, 2007 and guess what he answered.... Just come here and research before purchasing anything. There's a fountain of good knowledge here and many more than willing to help you find the easiest method to a clean and fast and most important, fully stable system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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