Mis matched memory?

Question

My PC currently has 1 gb of ram 2 512s, I am kinda stuck, I need as much memory as possible, crucial.com and gateway both sites say my PC can only handle 2gb TOTAL 1gb per slot but when I run the crucial.com scanner, it says my motherboard can andle 4gb total, 2gb per slot so I am kinda wanting to try the 4gb route but I am not possitive it will work so I was wanting to only purchase a 2gb stick at first.

So would a 2gb stick work with a 512mb next to it? I would make sure they are the same speed, just different sizes.

I read the the scanner on crucial is pretty accurate so it's confusing whether 2gb or 4gb will work or not on my pc

Answer 1

too many 'maybe' and 'could be' for my taste. unless you post make and model of your mainboard and find a user here who has done it, you will not get a definitive answer at SU (or any other forum for that matter).

if you're not certain, bring your box to a local computer store (support your locals! :) and have it fitted. yes, they will charge you a little bit more but it's hasslefree and you'll have it done right away. ring 'em up and ask for quote, then decide whether it's worth it or not.

Answer 2

If you use the Crucial scanner, I believe you are guaranteed to get compatible memory - otherwise your money back. Nothing to lose really.

Find the Right Memory with the Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool We guarantee that the upgrades you find through the Crucial Memory Advisor tool will be compatible with your system, or your money back.

Answer 3

If they are the same speed, you should be fine.

It will perform better if they are the same size, density, CAS latency, etc.

Answer 4

The GT5428 Crucial link you gave in another question says,

you can install modules one at a time, and you can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance.

That answers this question.