Mixing Brands of RAM

[Elesirdur]

So I got a copy of Windows 7 for Christmas and with an upcoming 64-bit install, I was wanting to increase my RAM capacity.

I've got an ASUS PK5-E mobo and am running 2x1GB sticks of PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM in dual-channel configuration. Now, I know I can find two sticks of 1GB PC2-6400 for dirt cheap these days, but I'm not sure I can get the exact same manufacture (Kingston) and model as my existing pair. Would I be likely to encounter compatibility issues if I bought a different brand and ran the second dual-channel with them?

As a secondary question, should I just forget about the existing pair and get a pair of 2GB sticks and go to 6GB total, or just donate the existing sticks to a friend or my dad, who's building a new PC soon?

To answer a likely question, yes I know not to mix brands or models of RAM in dual-channel pairs.

[fishstix]

There's a chance that it'll cause problems, due to the ram or motherboard since the timings and stuff can be different. idk if there's a way to find out beforehand without physically testing that exact combo of ram1, ram2 and motherboard. Personally, I would just get rid of the original ram and get the 2 sticks of 2gb for 4 total. If you're into overclocking, I hear it's easier to OC the ram if you don't fill up all of the ram slots.

Also, that motherboard can support up to PC2-8500 / 1066 ram, so you can do a small upgrade with using just fresh ram.

[Olo401]

You should have no problem mixing brands as long as you try to closely match the speed & timings on the memory you currently have. You already know you'll need to get DDR2-800 (PC2 6400) speed, so here's the other settings you'll need to find out (should be able to find these in BIOS or via CPU-Z.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/memspecs.png

[SephYuyX]

It's fine, but itll only perform as good as the worst stick.

[kuronosan]

What they all said. If you're gonna cross the brands, make sure the CAS timings match at least.