Is it possible to have mismatched memory (RAM) in a computer.?

Question

I was thinking of upgrading the memory on my laptop with two slots, and I wanted to know if you could have 256MB + 512MB or 256MB + 1 GB or do they both need to be the same?

My main issue is cost, I figured it would be more economical to buy 1GB memory and install it with one of my existing 256MB instead of buying 2 x 512MB. I know little about upgrading computers so any input would be helpful.

Answer 1

It really depend.

I will recommend to visit the PC shop to ask to install the 1GB RAM to check it is stable.

If yes, good for you. You just need to pay for the 1GB RAM and with the 256MB, it don't go to waste.

If not, you just need to go with out the 256MB RAM. :)

Answer 2

When you put a cd in an old-fashioned walkman, notice how you put the hole in it over this little cylinder thing. If you look, the cylinder is on a sort of platform. The platform and cylinder are attached to a motor, which spins it, and if there is a cd in the drive, the whole thing will spin.
The same thing applies to the modern cd players and drives, only the cylinder comes up from underneath the disk instead of being placed onto it.

Answer 3

Your laptop makes use of two forms of "actual" memory. Random get entry to memory (RAM) and study in basic terms memory (ROM). RAM is a risky memory utilized by way of the laptop jointly as that's working application as a non everlasting storage - subsequently the better the cost of RAM, the speedier the applying will run because of the fact the RAM is shared by way of the countless strategies working at any given time, inc the OS. as that's a risky memory, its contents are lost while the laptop is became off - continually save artwork periodically to disc in case of potential cuts, etc. ROM in spite of the indisputable fact that's non risky and keeps its contents even while potential is bumped off. The contents of this, in spite of the indisputable fact that, can't be altered or written to by way of you, the person. This is composed of issues like the BIOS training and gadget particular training. there is likewise digital memory - this could be somewhat of your difficult force which the laptop / OS makes use of as an added while greater memory is needed by way of the applying working.

Answer 4

the things you need to know when buying ram are the following

1. what is the maximum memory capacity your computer can handle

2. what type of ram do you have DDR, DDR2, SDRAM

3. finally what is the minimum ram speed you computer can handle. for example if a computer has a minimum speed of ram of pc2700 you can also put pc 3200 and so forth.

as long as you keep these things in mind it doesnt matter what size ram you want it matters if it is compatible or not.

NOTE: SOSTY what the hell are you talking about?????

Answer 5

Simple answer is to go on to www.crucial.co.uk or com and use the scan system and it will tell you what ram you need then you can look for a cheaper Ram from other suppliers or buy from crucial.

Answer 6

That should be fine i had in my desktop that now is used for the net 128mb in one and 64mb in the other.now it is 128mb and 128mb.You couldn't run dual channel if you do that.It is best to use matching ram.But yes you could use ram that isn't the same size and even the same brand.

Answer 7

Hi. It will work fine, but at the slowest speed. (PC2100 and PC3200 will work as PC2100). Put the largest memory in the first slot. And consider that simply putting in a PC3200 1GB stick may be faster if you remove the slower memory!

Answer 8

Yes, it is possible to have "mismatched" RAM. Some RAM modules need to be installed in identical pairs. Check your manual for more information.

Answer 9

you can have different capacity sticks in the slots as long as they are compatable