does ram upgrade need to be a matched pair

billybellfoot · Nov 17, 2012

does ram upgrade need to be a matched pair

im looking to upgrade my ram i have 2gb now over 2 slots 1GB x 2 = 2GB

i want to upgrade to 4GB 2GB x 2

my question is do they need to be a matched pair or no

this is whats suggested for my system (2 X 2GB) DDR2-800 PC2-6400 200 PIN SODIMM RAM

but was wondering if i buy 2 seperate 2GB sticks.
as long as they are same spec (DDR2-800 PC2-6400 200 PIN SODIMM)
would that work/be ok or would it work but be a loss in performance as a result like dual channel support

thanks

Patonb · Nov 18, 2012

No, but to ensure things run right you really should.

Just match the speed and timings of the 2 sticks.. ie ddr2-800 cl6.

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

i there a lot of difference then between buying say 2gb crucial ddr2 pc2-6400 200 pin 800mhz cl6. from 1 shop- then a month later buy another stick 2gb crucial ddr2 pc2-6400 200 pin 800mhz cl6

and buying

2x 2gb crucial ddr2 pc2-6400 200 pin 800mhz cl6 in a matched pair box

as in both scenarios they would achieve the same i.e brand and spec

or when you buy matched pair in box together is there a difference

thanks

Madhur B · Nov 19, 2012

Hi billybellfoot,

Memory has to be on same speed i.e., for this computer it should be: DDR2-800 PC2-6400 200 PIN SODIMM RAM

If the different memory cards have different speeds then it would work on the slower speed and hence the computer would work on degraded performance. Ensure when the memory is upgraded on the computer it should have the same speed.

Also, it would be your choice to purchase the both the memory stick at the same time or later, ensure that the speed matches.

For any clarifications please feel free to contact me.

richc46 · Nov 19, 2012

HI Buddy
It is highly suggested, no mix and match, buy them all at the same time. Not saying that above advice is not correct, just giving you the most accepted wisdom to avoid problems.

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

hi guys and thanks again for your help support and advice. much apreciated

Hi billybellfoot,

Memory has to be on same speed i.e., for this computer it should be: DDR2-800 PC2-6400 200 PIN SODIMM RAM

If the different memory cards have different speeds then it would work on the slower speed and hence the computer would work on degraded performance. Ensure when the memory is upgraded on the computer it should have the same speed.

Also, it would be your choice to purchase the both the memory stick at the same time or later, ensure that the speed matches.

For any clarifications please feel free to contact me.

so provided it is same speed and spec i can buy 2gb then 2gb at a later date?

thanks

HI Buddy
It is highly suggested, no mix and match, buy them all at the same time. Not saying that above advice is not correct, just giving you the most accepted wisdom to avoid problems.

hi richc46

is there a benefit then from buying in a matched pair box. ie both come off the assembly line together or something? as surely they are the same in every other way as long as they are same brand speeds latency etc

or is there a difference i am un aware of? thanks for helping again rich

richc46 · Nov 19, 2012

The benefit is there is much less chance of a mistake. RAM is so cheap why go through extra problems.
You might want to try the crucial site, to be sure to get the right ram
Use the Crucial System Scanner software to find out what type of memory is in your computer

roy69 · Nov 19, 2012

Think of it like this, have you ever bought paint and then try to match it, as rich has said RAM is very cheap at the moment, if you want to upgrade then why not buy 2 4gb sticks at a higher speed (if your mobo can take it).

Patonb · Nov 19, 2012

Okay, They don't have to be bought in a pack together, buy 2 in a pack can't garrentee they are identical, anymore than buying 2 individual sticks.

Buying them around the same time helps ensure the silcon is roughly the same though. But technically, as long as you buy the same product id #, make triple sure of that, 2 sticks from different shops will run the same as 2 bought in a 2 pack.

RAM can be identical looking and reading, but will be different #s, and 2 packs eliminate any possible differences.

However, I know plenty of people running 2 completely different sticks, different speeds and timings, and have no issues.

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

The benefit is there is much less chance of a mistake. RAM is so cheap why go through extra problems.
You might want to try the crucial site, to be sure to get the right ram

sorry rich how do you mean mistake? by the user (me) buying wrong type or another meaning?

thanks again

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

hi roy

Think of it like this, have you ever bought paint and then try to match it, as rich has said RAM is very cheap at the moment, if you want to upgrade then why not buy 2 4gb sticks at a higher speed (if your mobo can take it).

so when you say like paint is it the case that say i buy one stick built on the assemby line then a month later they change the procedure or something (however slight) changes with the way its made..

wich may may not create a problem? between the differing sticks aility to perform at there best etc..

is that correct ?

richc46 · Nov 19, 2012

If there are experts in your family, go the cheaper way. If you are like most of us, including me, get a whole set.

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

Okay, They don't have to be bought in a pack together, buy 2 in a pack can't garrentee they are identical, anymore than buying 2 individual sticks.

Buying them around the same time helps ensure the silcon is roughly the same though. But technically, as long as you buy the same product id #, make triple sure of that, 2 sticks from different shops will run the same as 2 bought in a 2 pack.

RAM can be identical looking and reading, but will be different #s, and 2 packs eliminate any possible differences.

However, I know plenty of people running 2 completely different sticks, different speeds and timings, and have no issues.

i get your meaning that 2 different sticks at different speeds will wrk but will only wrk at the lowest speed etc...

but on your other point that was my thinking that provided i bought same brand same clock and same latency etc that they would be the same but can also understand roys and richs point that methods of production and materials change month to month week to week day to day even and the matched pair is two off the assembly line at exact same time i.e 0001 and 0002 and were created in exact same way using exact same materials..

thanks for helping

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

If there are experts in your family, go the cheaper way. If you are like most of us, including me, get a whole set.

lol no certainly no experts here

in wich case i probably have my answer buy the matched pair

was just trying to save a bit money wise can get a 2gb for under £10 so x2 for under £20 and matched pair i found was just under £40.. so was just trying to see if it was viable option to go the cheaper route. but as is often the case cheaper rarely means better

thanks everyone for all your help and advice on this one

much apreciated

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

another question on this matter

i have 2 memory slots (dual channel support i thin) wich apparently can increase performance by 20% "apparently"

however

could i use 1 4gb stick in one slot to achieve the same 4GB ram rather than buy 2x 2GB
(admittedly i would loose the added 20% increase in performance of dual channel support)

but seeing as i would be doubling my memory from 2GB to 4GB i would still see a marked improvement..... wouldnt i?

Patonb · Nov 19, 2012

Week to week, and within a few months, i very much doubt it. The issue is with silicon to make the chips, which can be slightly different between batches, causing some "hiccups" but seriously this is a slight chance. A batch probably makes hundreds of modules btw.

My thing mainly is that corsair make 4 different modules that appear to be the same but have different product number, other than the ram size, so ensuring the frst part of the product number matches, its all good.

billybellfoot said:
i get your meaning that 2 different sticks at different speeds will wrk but will only wrk at the lowest speed etc...

but on your other point that was my thinking that provided i bought same brand same clock and same latency etc that they would be the same but can also understand roys and richs point that methods of production and materials change month to month week to week day to day even and the matched pair is two off the assembly line at exact same time i.e 0001 and 0002 and were created in exact same way using exact same materials..

thanks for helping

Yes ou're correct here, however ensure your system can read a 4Gig stick,lots can't.

billybellfoot said:
another question on this matter

i have 2 memory slots (dual channel support i thin) wich apparently can increase performance by 20% "apparently"

however

could i use 1 4gb stick in one slot to achieve the same 4GB ram rather than buy 2x 2GB
(admittedly i would loose the added 20% increase in performance of dual channel support)

but seeing as i would be doubling my memory from 2GB to 4GB i would still see a marked improvement..... wouldnt i?

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

thanks for reply

how would i determine product number would it be on packaging or on the ram module itself or is it something i could see when buying online? or would i need the item physically in my hand?

thanks

ok so i would have to determine if my moboard can take 1 4gb stick how would i determine this?

also as far as im aware even if i install 4gb i can only use 3gb or 3.5gb is this correct?

thanks

Patonb · Nov 19, 2012

Its thge product name itself, so You can do it where ever you can have access to the number.

This: Newegg.ca - CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model CMSO8GX3M2A1333C9
and this
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model CMSO4GX3M2A1333C9

Ar the same RAM. 1 is in 2x4 for 8Gig and 1 is 2x2 for for Gig.
You can run 1each together for 6 gigs.

As youre using sodimm, theres a lot less choice... Which is a good reason to go for a pair.

You are correct on the less than 4Gigs, as all your system parts add into that limit too.

billybellfoot · Nov 19, 2012

so even if i go for a 2x2GB matched 4gb upgrade ill still effectively only have either 3.0GB or at best 3.5GB

thanks

Patonb · Nov 19, 2012

More like 3.75Gigs

does ram upgrade need to be a matched pair

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