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    Mixing different speed memory

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by RiverSide, May 22, 2006.

  1. RiverSide

    RiverSide Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    Can I mix PC3200 and PC4200 memory in my laptop?

    I have DDR2 PC3200 installed in one slot.. but I can't seem to find cheap PC-3200 memory.. but there are many PC4200 selling on e-bay? so can I mix and match?
     
    RiverSide, May 22, 2006
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  2. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yes, if you have DDR2 PC3200, then you can certainly use DDR2 PC4200 memory. When you mix and match the faster memory will usually run at the same speed as the slower one. So, in your case if buy PC4200 and mix it with PC3200, then it will run at the same speeds as DDR2 PC3200.

    Just make sure the memory is DDR2, since you cannot mix and match DDR and DDR2 memory.
     
    miner, May 22, 2006
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  3. qwester

    qwester Notebook Virtuoso

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    You will also run at the higher CL (latency) rating of the 2 modules.

    Note: Higher CL = worse performance, not like memory speeds :)
     
    qwester, May 22, 2006
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  4. RiverSide

    RiverSide Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks so much for the response!! you guys are phenominal.. this should save me the aggravation of looking for PC3200 memory.

    My installed memory is CL3 so I guess i can't go wrong by getting the PC4200 memory in CL3 or lower.
     
    RiverSide, May 22, 2006
    #4