Memory numbers question

[Toy4x4]

1. I have 2 gigs of Corsair XMS2 800mhz @ 5-5-5-12. This memory is hard to find now as Corsair has discontinued it. Can I use the same product except 5-5-5-18 0r 4-4-4-12?
I read something about this on TomsHardware, but am not sure if this was what the info was trying to explain.

2. What is the difference between these two besides amount and volts (1.8 vs 1.9) and why the price difference:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590

3. If I bought the 4 gig sticks above, could I add them to the two I already have?

School me on memory!

Thanks!
Hugh

 

[OVERKILL]

You would have to drop your memory timings down to match the new pair, since they are less aggressive.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Originally Posted By: Toy4x4
1. I have 2 gigs of Corsair XMS2 800mhz @ 5-5-5-12. This memory is hard to find now as Corsair has discontinued it. Can I use the same product except 5-5-5-18 0r 4-4-4-12?

Yes, but all of your RAM will then run at the lowest (highest numbered) settings. You won't notice the difference. If you haven't manually changed the timings to 5-5-5-12 in the BIOS, then your mobo should read the correct settings of the SPD chips on the RAM, figure out the lowest common denominator, and set them all accordingly. RAM has no problem running slower (higher) timings.

Originally Posted By: Toy4x4
2. What is the difference between these two besides amount and volts (1.8 vs 1.9) and why the price difference:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590

Well, the first link is for 4gb total and the second link is for 2gb, so...?

Originally Posted By: Toy4x4
3. If I bought the 4 gig sticks above, could I add them to the two I already have?

Sure, as long as your motherboard supports it and it's all DDR2-800, PC2-6400, whatever they want to call it. Make sure your mobo has the latest BIOS from the manufacturer.

 

[youdontwannaknow]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
You would have to drop your memory timings down to match the new pair, since they are less aggressive.


although chances are the bios will reconfigure automatically. unless he has one of those highly configureable boards desired by overclockers that allow such timings to be modified. Even then, if its just set to "auto" or "spd" the new timings will take effect automatically.

 

[Familyguy]

Shouldn't be an issue at all and as others have already said the motherboard will likely automagically determine the lowest common speed setting supported by all the sticks and use that setting.

 

[greenaccord02]

Not a problem. If you were trying to overclock or push it, you'd have the equipment and know what to do already so I take it that's not the case. Just throw 'em in. The difference will not be noticeable.

 

[Rand]

mixing memory brands/types can cause major problems.

are you using a 64bit os?

if not then just get 2 new 2gig chips for 4 gig total is the 100% foolproof method.

if you want something like 6gig.. its possible but hit or miss, and you need a 64bit os.

 

[Toy4x4]

OS will be W7 64 Pro.

I'm going to see how the current memory runs and then get 4 more gigs. I've heard that the voltage needs to be the same so I am eyeballing some on Newegg that will match (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...eTabStoreType=1).

 

[Rand]

the 1.9 would probably run at 1.8 with lesser settings.

w7 will run fine with 2GB for most programs.. if you multitask heavily then 4gb is better.

I have 8GB right now and even the best games only use 2GB max.

and I usually have about 50%free (not counting the fact that w7 uses memory for superfetch)

If you do photo or video editing then 4-8gb is alot better.