Will this work?????

Question

((((RAM)))) I have 4 banks, 2-256MB in my computer right now, I want another 512MB can I just buy a single stick or do i have to buy in pairs?

Answer 1

You need to have all of your memory running at the same speed and with the same capacity. So NO, you need to either buy two more 256 MB of that same speed, if you know what the current speed of your memory is. Most memory isn't labeled for its speed. In that case you will need to replace the old memory since you can't match it. Of course you could try and track the manufacturer down and find it, if you can find the manufacturer. If the memory is made by someone like Intel then you have a chance otherwise you have none.

Answer 2

This is what you need to know: Apparently your motherboard does not support Dual-Channel memory, this is when you need two of the same memory in order to power your pc.

You have an older PC which comes standard with just 2 of the same kind of memory ram which is not neccessary.

You may buy an 512MB DDR memory ram or 1GB DDR memory ram and add either one in the third slot without taking out your (two) 256MB memory.

Foot note: If you don't want to encounter the automatic shut-down (annoying blue screen) try sticking with the same brand or value select.

Answer 3

Hey this thing does not work like this. It is said that you should not put ram in different denominations and always make pairs. However if you do it works but speed is slow. try upgrading the old ones into a new 512 and buy a new 512 as planned. Also take care that on the motherboard youll see that out of all four slots(in most cases) two are of same color and are one slot apart. You have to put two memories in same colours. I think this is the best opinion i can give on myexperience.
Good DAY

Answer 4

It will work just fine! However , you will never see a manufacturer sticking a lone stick of RAM into a computer, always a matched pair. The reason is performance is better and more stable!

Answer 5

you can replace just one, but remember you'll probably have to buy a gig chip because you have to make up for the 256 you'll take out, then add the 512 and you have 768. Since they don't make a 768 chip that I know of you'll have to get the gig. Or, you can replace two of your 256's with 512's......same difference.

Answer 6

you can buy the single stick and it should be fine just make sure that all the memory in your computer is the same because if its not it will just slow down.

Answer 7

it used to be a problem in older systems but most modern computers dont have issues if u insert RAM chips of different capacities. it really doesnt change the effective RAM power.

Answer 8

my op. if i were u, i buy pairs because i can take it to upgrade another pc. if you don't like me, buy single better.

Answer 9

www.crucial.com is the authority on ram

Answer 10

Read your motherboard manual.