Tech geeks ? about PC memory

[GatorB]

Ok I currently have 2 sticks of PC3200 memory and I have 2 slots free. I have a friend that is upgrading his memory and is going to give me his 2 sticks of PC 2700 memory he's replacing. Are there going to be any issues with having memory with 2 different speeds?

[BoNgHiTtA]

Is this for a server or workstation?

[GatorB]

Is this for a server or workstation?

It's for my home computer

[BoNgHiTtA]

Your system will treat the higher memory as if it is the lower memory, that is all. As long as they are symetric, then your going to get a boost in memory, but a bit slower access time.

Personally, I would just spring for new memory.

[crackerboy]

its not going to be a problem for you to use it but the speed from the first ram will not count
if you have 2 PC3200 memory with 400 mhz and add 2 pc2700 with 300 mhz they will all run on 300 mhz if i am not wrong

[eXperienZ]

Generally, you can mix speeds, but you must operate the system at the speed of the slower of the two modules. The problem can arise because most modern memory modules have an "SPD" chip (serial presence detect), a ROM that lets the computer "READ" the specs of that memory module. If two such modules conflict, the computer might not configure the system in a useable manner (this would be a function of the BIOS code). You can try a manual over-ride in the BIOS and see if that helps.

There are other incompatabilities that can arise, the general rule that you can mix speeds isn't hard and fast, it's just a guideline.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13086488

[GatorB]

OK thank guys. I guess It's better just to buy the extra memory I just figured if it was free so what the hell. Maybe I sell it on ebay.