DDR2 memory?

Question

ok, its another guy who knows nothing about computers asking about computers.

Let's say I get an HP computer (don't diss HP 'cause I like 'em). It comes with 2 Gigs of memory (1GB x2). I'm totally cool with only haveing 2 gigs of memory, and I don't NEED more, but what can it hurt?
So, the memory it comes with is PC-4200, but the system also accepts PC-5300.
It only accepts memory in pairs, but there are 2 slots left so I'm good. If I get another pair of memory thingys can I get 5300 and the fact I have 2 5300s and 2 4200s is fine and everything will work all right, or am I wrong?
Also; I can get 2x 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 5300 for $170
Or; I could get 2x 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 4200 for $200
My first reaction is to go with the less expensive one (PC-5300), but if my computer will not accept it then Ill spend the extra money.

basically; Can I have a pair of PC4200 and a pair of PC5300 in the same computer (assuming the system accepts both types)?

(A1640N is the model)
Please Help me

Answer 1

Okay let me try to clear this up. First off, you don't actually have to have them in pairs, its just recommended because it gives you better performance, but its not required. Having said that you should keep them in pairs because it is better. You can have a pair of 4200's and a pair of 5300's, but they will all work at 4200 speed, RAM of different speeds will always revert to the slowest speed.

Now if I had to give you advice, don't waste your money, 4GB is simply overkill right now.

Answer 2

What other have said is true, like that the speed of the buss drops to the slowest RAM, but, there are engineering problems to address, also.

1. You have a multi-core system. there are better OSes than Microsoft's for those, FREE, that actually run them optimally:
a. BSD has about 20 variant OSes, all are multi-CPU capable since 1984. 64 bit since at least 1993.
b. GNU/Linux came out in 1991, and has been multi-core and 64 bit since 1993. 500+ Distros.
c. Solaris is multi-core and 64 bit capable.

All the above are true multi-tasking and multi-user. All the above run concurrent processes. All are FREE, and the Source Code is available just like them, for downloading by anyone.

Also, all the above talented OSes are immune to all the backdoors, spy-bots, malware, and "114,000 Microsoft Virus Definitions" so most of us run them for months and even years, without ever re-booting.

And, if you have multi-core processors that are 64 bit capable, then you could address 4 Gb of RAM, or more, and use the true 64 bit Enterprise applications proven out since 1993!

But, being that PC Gaming isn't quite there, in 64 bit, yet, you can run 32 bit until the great crisis in 2008!

Answer 3

ok here's the deal, the A1640N motherboard supports dual channel which means if two identical sticks of ram are used, essentially an "extra channel" is opened up hence the dual channel. So instead of having one channel for information to pass between the cpu and memory there are two channels making data transfer very fast. You can mix and match ram and channels BUT, let's say you have two different identical sets one set of pc5300 and one set of pc4200, it will automatically default to the pc4200 (usually the lower one), so essentially you gain nothing by having two varying speeds of ram. That being said, there is nothing wrong with having lots of ram, the more the better even if the speeds vary. Hope this helps, feel free to email me with any questions

Answer 4

In general, I would not mix refresh rates of your ram. Yes, 2GB is more than you will ever need. The 5300s may be cheaper because of the design of the chips, which means it probably wouldn't be that compatible with your 4200s. Be safer rather than cheaper.

Answer 5

What are you trying to do gaming or programming? Thats alot of memory.