upgrading SDRAM?

Question

i'm going to put some more RAM in my dad's PC coz he's just discovered the internet (yeh well he's old!). He's got one stick of 128MB, PC133 SDRAM already, i was going to put a 512MB stick in aswell coz they're pretty cheap now. I'll get the same speed but will it be ok having two different sizes and manufacturers or will it be a bit unstable? its my first pc upgrade so any other tips welcome.

ps i know about ESD precautions

Answer 1

Check the motherboard can accept a single 512MB stick. Many old PIII and Athlon boards don't. You may need to get 2 X 256MB. If it's a PII you may be stuck with 128MB sticks max.

Assuming it will accept a 512MB stick, personally I would have the 512MB stick on its own, the extra 128MB will make hardly any difference performance wise and could cause problems.

Answer 2

hi having done this myself yes the only thing to be careful about is making sure its the same type of ram so look at whats already in there and buy the same type IE. PC133 sdram. and make sure that the largest stick is the first 1 I currently have two 512 sticks and one 256 in my pc and it works like a dream all different manufacturers just make sure u clip it in properly. hope this helps

Answer 3

I'd see how many slots the motherboard can take and at what speed RAM it can use.
If the motherboard can use faster RAM, i'd take out the 128MB and get a faster 512MB. This is because the computer will always run at the lower RAM stick's speed.
If you're unfortunate and it only takes 133 max, then use the 512MB aswell.
For brand names, it really shouldn't matter, but i'd use the same to be on the safe side.

Answer 4

Generally the officially line is no. This because of things such as parity and access speeds of them. I wouldn't if were you - why don't you try and squeeze one giga byte of memory in instead. Or even better consider a motherboard bundle upgrade IE (processor, ram, motherboard with heat sink). That will cover the whole lot and be cheaper in the long run plus keep it all compatible. This will mean less hassle in the long run. When you suddenly decided to up grade the rest. Plus if you do it like this it should save some money - how much I don't know but some.

This service was provided by zippy(c).

Answer 5

if ur putting in 512 then you propably wont require the 128 if it is just for web browsing.

Allways best to have same manufacture and same size but wont hurt ur machine if different.

what you will need to make sure is if your motherboard can accept 512mb stick. Pc133 is getting on abit now.

Answer 6

Make sure you put the largest stick nearest to the cpu or it wont work.

All you can do is give it a try if the computer don't like the memory you will soon know and all you will have to do is take it out.

My p.c has different size and manufacturer sticks and works fine

Answer 7

Just try it. If it fits (neatly), nothing will blow up. You might want to throw the 128MB out. However, nowadays different brands don't matter anymore. Ten years ago it did.
If still using Win98, you might need a software adjustment to support more then 512MB.
If the PC WILL be unstable (blue screens at startup at different moments), the memory is probably bad. If the motherboard supports it: i recommend ECC memory.

Answer 8

In theory, the size and manufacturer shouldn't matter. In reality, especially with an older computer and operating system, anything could happen. Tech just isn't that simple. May the force be with you.

Answer 9

if the pc can take 512 sticks ok
but this 512 stick must be first
then the 128 stick
the golden rule is largest first

Answer 10

size is not a problem but manufacturer may be a problem. try to buy from same manufacturer. 128 ram may not work in some cases.