Memory question, duh!

[Rootstonian]

I have an el cheapo new pc...just a file/movie server.

It has 1 gig DDR2 6400 RAM.

I want 2 gig.

Can I add a 5300 class chip (and know the 6400 will slow down to that) and will it RUN IN DUAL CHANNEL mode seeing as it is "mismatched"?

Or should I just get 2 matched 5300 chips (right now $27 ea. at Best Buy) and put those in?

[Steve R Jones]

You're not using dual channel now so not sure it'll matter much to ya.

You'll benefit more from the extra ram then you will dual channel if works/doesn't work.

[Rootstonian]

So, it don't matter much, to me that is.

Two matched sticks at 5300 for sure dual channel is $54 vs. $27 for "possible" dual channel.

Guess I'll buy the 2 sticks and see if I get dual channel from the mixed set....can always return one stick

Thanks Steve...stay cool in TEXas

[ShyguyXPC]

ok, are you running 2 sticks of the PC2-6400 stuff already? or just one?

if one, just grab another one for under $20, if their both same density/single sided or double sided, you'll not only keep your DDR2-800Mhz speed (aka PC2-6400) but you'll have 2GB's of the stuff & still be able to run Dual Channel.

Newegg.com - DDR2 800 (PC2 6400), 1GB, 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM, Desktop Memory, Memory

if your running 2 Sticks already, & you have another 2 slots open, just grab a 2x512MB kit, & run all 4 in Dual channel, for around same price...

Newegg.com - 1GB (2 x 512MB), DDR2 800 (PC2 6400), 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM, Desktop Memory, Memory

but hard to tell from your last post, but almost sounds like you might be intending to run 3 sticks, if so, won't get Dual Channel that way. has to be 2 or 4 sticks.

[Rootstonian]

Just one stick of the 6400; it's price at Best Buy was $140!!!

That's why I was going for the slower memory, but going dual channel with the 2 5300 sticks at BB for $54

[ShyguyXPC]

can't Buy online or something?

[Rootstonian]

I'm an Aries...obsessive, compulsive type, i.e. I want it and I want it NOW! LOL

[Fizur2002]

Newegg.com - Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

[ShyguyXPC]

he already knows that, in my one post above, the first link, its the 2nd one in the list, with one other before it for a hair cheaper.

[Rootstonian]

But for those prices, guess I can wait...Wed here in OH, if I newegg it today, I'll probably have it Friday