Can I mix different brands of RAM with the same speed of 400mhz but different capacity?

Question

I purchased a 1GB of RAM that has speed of 400mhz. My old RAM is 256MB and has 400mhz. I want to extend my memory to 1.256GB. Can this be possible? I am afraid of short circuit of my pc.

Answer 1

You won't short circuit but some same speed different size may not work together.

Do this - install your one gig stick removing your 256. Don't close your computer. Start it to verify it works. Now shut down & add your 256. Watch the boot up to see if the new memory registered.

If you hear two beeps and get no screen your computer is telling you there is a memory issue. It won't hurt anything but you will have to remove the 256.

Answer 2

Technically, you can but it is a little bit more involved. First of all, you mentioned they have the same frequency 400 MHz but are they the same type DDR versus DDR2? Second, does your motherboard have enough open slots for the RAM modules? Third, for best results, you should install RAM modules in pairs (e.g. 512MB or 1GB and not 768MB or 1,256MB ) I think you are better off not using the 256MB RAM module that is already installed. It is highly unlikely that the extra 256MB will improve your PC's performance. In addition, I have a sneaky suspicion that the 256MB RAM module is outdated and will act like a bottleneck for your system.

Answer 3

first off, your computer should be fine, and better! The most important thing is that the ram is the same type, ie, pc3200 or ddr2, if not, it is not detrimental, however, the computer will run at the lower settings of the ram. EX: if you have one stick of pc3200 ddr2 ram, 400mHz clock, and a stick of pc2700 ddr2 333mHz clock, both sticks will run at 333. In my opinion, every lil bit of ram helps, so I'd keep both sticks of ram :)

Answer 4

You should be be OK but the 256mb isn't going to give any boost so there's probably no need for it. Just install the 1gig stick and give the 256mb to someone else, or sell it on ebay.

Answer 5

You can but check with your motherboard manufacture. Even though you can use diffenrent ram some types of ram have faults with types of motherboards. Also, each motherboard has a max amount of ram it can handle. Make sure that the ram is supported with your motherboard and check the max ram it can handle.

Answer 6

I agree with Adrian. Go ahead. It won't matter. I have in my own system 2x256mb and 1x512mb. They are different brands and also different speeds and my computer is working fine.

Answer 7

Should be fine. Computers don't know brands... just types, speeds, and capacity... Go for it.

Answer 8

Of course!!!

I have assembled many computers & I am sure that it will cause no harm to your computer.