Mixed memory performance

[d3athsd00r]

I've read before that mixing different size memory would reduce the performance compared to similar sized or just a single DIMM of memory. How true is this? And would I notice a significant drop in performance if I go from 2x512MB to 1x2GB+1x512MB as opposed to upgrading to 2x1GB?

 

I guess what I'm asking is should I upgrade this laptop from the 1GB to 2.5GB or 2GB? It's a C2D that my mom uses every now and then so it doesn't need too much performance behind it.

 

Thanks.

[ir_cow]

What CPU socket are you using . If your talking about 512mb than it must be like a 2003 computer

[kyfire]

Since you said the computer doesn't get used much, why upgrade it? The OS on it would also dictate how much memory it can use. As Bluecow said if it's currently got 512mb sticks thats an old computer.

[d3athsd00r]

It's not terribly old. It's a core2duo from around like 2009 maybe. I think the main issue with the computer right now is its old HDD which I'm going to replace. But I put win7 on it and I'm thinking it needs to go back down to XP since they don't use it too much.

[kyfire]

Yea, if is only has 1gig in it that's no where near enough for Win 7. I'd roll it back to XP, replace the HD and leave it.

[d6bmg]

It's not terribly old. It's a core2duo from around like 2009 maybe. I think the main issue with the computer right now is its old HDD which I'm going to replace. But I put win7 on it and I'm thinking it needs to go back down to XP since they don't use it too much.

 

You should go back to XP as those little amount of RAM is not enough to run Win 7 smoothly.

[Locutus]

Upgrading DDR2 is expensive as well.

 

On the original topic, mismatched memory can cause a lot of problems even beyond performance issues. I had a lady bring me her laptop that she had taken to a repair shop for an upgrade. They took out her two 512 sticks and gave her two 1GB sticks (probably pulled from old laptops) that were mismatched. I'm sure it ran well for a while, but the two sticks were conflicting and causing errors, and it eventually messed up her OS to the point where I had to reinstall for her.

 

Not to mention the fact that I had to order her some new RAM to replace what some dipstick thought was a good idea.

[Waco]

1 GB is enough for regular use...but more would make it a LOT smoother. Mixed memory means nothing for the most part. Send me your address and I'll shoot you a stick or two of DDR2 SODIMM.

[Nephilumos]

1 GB is enough for regular use...but more would make it a LOT smoother. Mixed memory means nothing for the most part. Send me your address and I'll shoot you a stick or two of DDR2 SODIMM.

 +1

 

I run 3 sticks of G.Skill 8GB and 3 sticks of G.Skill 2GB totalling 30GB of memory at 1600MHz.  I loosened the timings up to about 10-10-10-30.  It's been in there for 24/7 use and I've never run into memory problems.  Prime95, OCCT, linpack all run flawlessly.

[El_Capitan]

I mix memory all the time. As long as you find the best speed, timings, and voltages that work, you'll be fine. Currently using a mix of 2x4GB Samsung Low Voltages with 6x8GB GSkill Ripjaw 1866MHz. All on 10-11-10-30-1T at 1866MHz at 1.5V's. No problems... and that's with a 4.8GHz (and also a 5.0GHz benchmarking) overclock.