installing RAM

[Emperor_Nero]

I plan on getting 2 free sticks of 64mb RAM for two systems (after rebate at compusa: see here for more info: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?start=1&catid=40&threadid=352618) if they're in stock that is.

and the ram is here: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product%5Fcode=271005
PC133, 64MB

system1: 700mhz athlon slot A; Asus K7V, 128MB Crucial PC133 CAS2 RAM.

system2: dell p3 733mhz, 64MB, dimension l something or other.

I've been getting conflicting info on installing RAM. I've heard that you HAVE to have the same amount of RAM as before when you install a new stick (for example, you have to install a 128mb with a 128mb). then I heard you don't have to.

Can someone tell me the rules of thumb when installing RAM, such as:
1) Do I have to install the same brand (in this case, Crucial for system1)?
2) Can I install a different size of RAM (128+64)?
3) Do I have to have the same...err...speed of RAM (such as PC133 vs PC100 and CAS2 vs CAS3)?
4) any thing else I might have missed.

so will that PNY ram work with both of my systems?

and lastly, an off topic rant: anandtech mods SUCK! they just love playing favorites and love sitting on their throne playing god. well, it's unfair to say all AT mods suck, just a few of them while others exercise really good judgement. anyway, please help me with my RAM dillemma. thanks.

[RayH]

My understanding is that in THEORY you should be able to mix brands, size, and speed of RAM.

If you mix size, then then RAM should be placed from smallest to largest size. I haven't found any particular difference in mixing brands.

As long as the FSB supports the RAM, you can use whatever. That is, PC133 can be used in any 133, 100, or 66 system. But the PC133 will be run at the lower FSB.

But as to whether or not any particular brand of RAM will work on a particualr motherboard is a specific question. Some motherboards are particular and some aren't.

[Fingers]

LOL, when I went to Crucial to make sure I was answering correctly, I found that your questions are almost identical to the ones in Crucial's FAQ.

1) Will Crucial memory work with memory from another manufacturer? (http://support.crucial.com/scripts/crucial.exe/solution?11=000724-0011&130=000964475539&14=&2715=&15=&2716=&57=faq&58=&2900=8oEAbUwCa4&25=-1)

2) My PC came with 32MB of RAM. I added 32MB. Can I add 64MB in the third slot? (http://support.crucial.com/scripts/crucial.exe/solution?11=000726-0008&130=000964643071&14=&2715=&15=&2716=&57=faq&58=&2900=8oEAbUwCa4&25=-1)

3a) Can I use a 128MB PC100 SDRAM DIMM with a 128MB PC133 SDRAM DIMM? (http://support.crucial.com/scripts/crucial.exe/solution?11=001018-0005&130=000971881883&14=&2715=&15=&2716=&57=faq&58=&2900=8oEAbUwCa4&25=-1)

3b) Can I mix CAS2 and CAS3 parts? What should the motherboard settings be? (http://support.crucial.com/scripts/crucial.exe/solution?11=001006-0010&130=000970852718&14=&2715=&15=&2716=&57=faq&58=&2900=w1T6qM59jQ&25=-1)

4) Read the rest of the FAQ (http://support.crucial.com/scripts/crucial.exe/faq)


The instructions I have state that the largest memory module should be place in the lowest numbered(first) slot, if that doesn't work, try reversing the procedure....Duh http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Fingers (edited 02-18-2001).]

[Emperor_Nero]

thanks for the help both of you http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[BIGO]

I have mixed both brands and sizes, e.g. 64 Meg with 32 Meg with no problems in operation (three different computers). However, there have been occasions where on "reset" the POST indicates the memory total from only one stick. i.e. 32 Meg or 64 Meg. System info still shows all memory. This was true with VIA chipsets--GO figure.
hso