Memory Upgrade

[tgxiii]

I'm upgrading a pre-built computer by adding extra memory. The processor is a Pentium 4 400 MHz FSB and it has an Intel D845GRG motherboard, which only contains two memory slots. It already has a 256 MB PC2100 DDR266 in one of them and I plan to add in another 256 MB. My question is: Would it increase, decrease, or have no difference in the performance if I mixed in a different rated memory module? I plan on using PC3200 to match the FSB speed of 400. Would the 266 just hinder the performance of my computer anyway?

Also, does anyone know if Samsung is a good brand for memory? I can't quite afford Kingston or Corsair, so I want to know if Samsung would be good enough. Thank you for your time.

[DallasDon]

The speed of your processor as well as the ram would be hindered by that stick of ram.

The FSB it actually runs at is usually set by SPD, serial presence detect, unless you set it manually.

That ddr 266 is running at 133 mhz, double pumped to achieve 266,

Methinks the mobo can achieve 200 MHZ if the other components can? See if your processor is a 2,4 GHZ, currently running @133 mhz.

200 mhz might be unstable, so my suggestion is to try one stick of 512 Pc 2700 (166 MHZ), or buy the 3200 if you can afford it.

Keep the stick of 2100 as a tester for other projects..

[tgxiii]

What about the brand? Is Samsung good? I also found Kingmax. Is that brand also good?

[tgxiii]

DallasDon, I really don't understand your answer.... Maybe I should re-word my question. My CPU is running at 100 MHz FSB quad-pumped to 400 MHz and I am not overclocking it. I already have a PC2100 module. I can add another PC2100 module or add a PC3200 module. Would the combination of PC3200 and PC2100 be faster, slower, or no different than one with two PC2100 modules?

[Opeth]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that if you buy the PC3200 it will underclock itself and run like PC2100.

[tgxiii]

There you go! I didn't know how to word it. Thanks, Opeth! So does anyone know? If I mix the PC3200 with the PC2100, will the PC3200 run like a PC2100?

[agathodaimon]

yes, it will run like 2100.... But why spend extra money on faster ram if it's not going to be running that fast at all?
Why not either get two 3200 sticks or one 512 stick?

[tgxiii]

Originally posted by agathodaimon
yes, it will run like 2100.... But why spend extra money on faster ram if it's not going to be running that fast at all?
Why not either get two 3200 sticks or one 512 stick?

It's 'cause I wasn't sure if the PC3200 would underclock to a PC2100 if it was mixed with one. There's someone I can get the memory from and he's selling the PC2100 and PC3200 for the same price. Don't ask me why... I dunno either.

He has a few generic ones, Samsung, and Kingmax. The Kingmax costs 2 dollars more. Are either brands good?

[Opeth]

If your motherboard supports dual channel memory you should get two sticks and run them that way, but if it doesn't then you could just buy one 512MB stick of PC3200 and keep the PC2100 as a backup.
BTW, it might help to tell us your pricerange so maybe someone can find something.

[tgxiii]

The board does not support dual channel.

I was just looking online and I have found that Kingmax is NOT a good brand. See for yourself in http://www.legitreviews.com/Reviews/kingmax400_1.shtml and http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1253

I would say I'm willing to spend 45 to 50 dollars for a 256 MB module and a maximum of 80 for a 512 MB module. I shouldn't have any trouble finding deals (though a little help is appreciated!). All I need are some reliable brands. I know Kingmax and Corsair are good, but are there any that would cost a little less but still as reliable?