dual channel memory

[chorro]

I was wondering if it makes any difference when you use different models of dual channel memory. I just upgraded my hardware to a dual core 2.33ghz with OCZ 800mhz ddr2 dual channel memory, timings of 4-4-4-15, 2x 1gb sticks.

The memory chips I originally got of OCZ memory has model # OCZ2P800R22GK and yesterday I had picked up another 2 sticks of dual channel 800mhz ddr2 memory of 4-4-4-15, but with model #OCZ2P800FR2GK.

it shouldn't matter what model # it is should it?? I assumed it should have the same timings which is 4-4-4-15.

I've been out of the loop of installing pcs.

[Train]

FR just means it just marked for Frys.

OCZ2P800R22GK is their normal marking.

[chorro]

so is it better to get memory with the same model number or just make sure that the timings are the same??

the memory settings in the bios are all set to default and auto. I'm not overclocking the cpu and the memory voltage is set to auto. Should I be setting it at a certain voltage rating to make all 4 sticks run the same??

[Train]

Yours should be identical, just the part number was changed for Fry's.
That is all that was changed.


But you are right, you do want them to match up as close as possible.

You should be OK!

[chorro]

the reason I ask this is because I've been getting memory dump errors and BSOD's after adding in the fry's dual channel memory. Is it possible that i need to change the bios setting from auto to the suggested range between 1.9v and 2.1v?? Or could it be that I just got a bad batch of OCZ memory from fry's??

[Train]

HUmm, Not a bad batch, but mismatched just enough to give you those hair pulling errors.

Try putting the new ram in the 1st set and older in the 2nd set.
Are you trying for a total of 4 GB of ram with a 32-bit OS?

[chorro]

yes, adding 2gb to make 4gb for xp 32bit. I tried setting the virtual memory to 1.5x the physical memory and even tried choosing "system managed size" and still got restarts or memory dumps or BSODs. Could it be that the original dual channel chips were defaulted to a different voltage or speed and the Fry's OCZ dual channel chips set to another defaulted speed??

I guess I should just return the 2gb dual channel Fry's memory considering it's a waste since I'm running xp 32bit. If I were running 64bit, then it would definitely help!

The memory is set to auto. Should I be setting all 4 sticks to 2.0v or 2.1v?? It's a gigabyte P35-DS3L motherboard with 4 ddr2 slots and supports quad/dual core

[Train]

You could exchange them for 2 sticks of 512, and try 3 GB. That should work.

Yes 3 GB total.