Do different types of RAM have to be compatible with each other?

JohnJSal

JohnJSal

Active Member
I have 2GB of Kingston RAM in my PC right now. If I want to upgrade with another 2GB (or perhaps 4GB even), is it necessary to ensure that my current RAM and whatever new RAM I buy are compatible? Is that a concern to worry about, or does it just need to be compatible with the mobo?

Also, is there any reason to even go to 6GB right now? Or should I just add 2GB more and have a total of 4GB? (This is assuming I buy the 64-bit version of Windows 7 soon.)

Thanks.
 
If you get another 2gb youll probably want to get the same RAM as you got before, and about 6gb theres not really much point, the performance increase in games is next to nothing its just unnecessary 4gb is fine (: but yeah just get another 2gb sticks of the RAM you have currently got and it will work well :D
 
it is not necessary that both ram's should be compatible. Any good ram will work it out.
6GB is unnecessary
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if it is not required and may slow down the processor in some situations.
 
ehh, well i guess you could use different brands, but i suggest that you get the same brand.

^=About the 6 gigs, well my friend has a e5300 rig with 6 gigs, against my rig, i don't notice any difference in vista, you will notice vista is smoother going from 2 gigs to 4gigs, cause i sure did, but 4gigs is the max i would upgrade to for now.

EDIT: DUDE, do you have the same ram as me???

Kingston value ram 800mhz? 6-6-6-18, it is low profile. If so then newegg still has them, they are about 20 bucks per gig
 
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But more than just the same brand (Kingston), do I need to get the same *type* of RAM (ValueRAM, speed, etc) or does that not matter? I have no problem getting more Kingston, but what about the details?
 
skattle91 said:
it is not necessary that both ram's should be compatible. Any good ram will work it out.
6GB is unnecessary
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if it is not required and may slow down the processor in some situations.
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this is true but you want the two to have the same clocking speed otherwise they revert to the slower ones speed. and scince you already know what kind of ram you have just buy the same.
 
newguy said:
this is true but you want the two to have the same clocking speed otherwise they revert to the slower ones speed. and scince you already know what kind of ram you have just buy the same.
Click to expand...

Yes, this is true.

If what type of RAM didn't matter, why make 1066Mhz and 666Mhz frequencies?
It's best NOT to cross match RAM frequencies. Just like stated above, the higher clocking speed will clock down to the lower clocking speed of the lowest stick. Meaning, if I have a 1066Mhz in my board, and I stick a 666Mhz, BOTH sticks will be automatically clocked down to 666Mhz. You can also run the risk of a BSOD. It's just not the best thing to do, even if it might be alright for you to do so.
 
Yeah, I just didn't realize how easy it would be to find my specific kind again. Just had to check my order history on Newegg, duh! :)

One more question: if I upgrade to 4GB now with XP (32 bit), will that cause any problems?

Thanks!
 
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