Mixing DDR2 ram sticks

[Valamyr]

Hello! I have this venerable aging set of RAM which has served me well for awhile...

OCZ Platinum XTC PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-800 CL5-4-4-15 DDR2 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit

Worked flawlessly for years. However I now need 8GB and this isn't sold anywhere I know of anymore.

Im wondering if I can add either of these and expect things to remain stable...

Kingston HyperX PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-12 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit - DirectCanada

Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5 4GB DDR2 2X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18 240PIN Memory Kit - DirectCanada

The timings are relatively similar, both are DDR2-800... but I've never mixed-and-matched memory before. I'm aware they'd run at the slowest timings of either pair of sticks and that I wouldn't be able to OC either pair of sticks, but would it work reasonably well and stable? Am I better off waiting until I'm ready to change the whole system and move to DDR3?

Thanks for advice!!

[_dangtx_]

there is no straight answer, you would have to try and see.

but in theory, given they work at stock speeds on the same voltage, you should be fine.

[LarkStarr]

even better answer: you can mix voltages and speed and timings! your computer SHOULD set itself to the slowest value, but if not you can manually set it yourself! and yes, you CAN overclock them! it might be more difficult but it is indeed possible.

but the question to wait until ddr3/new system is up to you. depends on how long you'd be waiting for, I suppose.

[_dangtx_]

trust me, i have an old dell here and i tried,it only takes regular sticks. up to 512mb in size.

with mobos that offer voltage control you may be better off .

boot with the one stick, up voltage,loose timings,save .

shut down. put the other sticks in and crosss fingers :)

[supaflyx3]

You'll be fine mixing the RAM, just try to keep them in matching slots.

[Nodscene]

I've done a lot of mixing and matching of memory with different speeds and timings and have only run into the odd issue. I'm currently doing it on my main rig and have zero problems.

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by supaflyx3

You'll be fine mixing the RAM, just try to keep them in matching slots.

Uhm no.

OCZ can be some of the most pickiest crap out there for memory comptability don't ask how I know.

Kingston and Corsair are some of the most friendliest to match together.

When it comes to matching you need to make sure timings and voltages are as close to identical as possible and this still doesn't mean they'll work properly.