RAM - Upgrade

[pOOps]

I have 2 x 1GB Ram Sticks in my PC, generic brand. Dont know what speed it is nor di O know how to find out what speed it is if it matters.
I want to upgrade my system to 4GB, ie. add another 2GB stick. Will this cause issues if:

(a) if i have 3 channels and 2 x 1GB and 1 x 2GB?
(b) have varying speeds 2 x 1GB @ 1333GHz etc and 1 x 2GB @ 1600GHz etc.

Please let me know. I hope its just as simple as plugging in a 2gb generic brans stick.

[Thera]

basically, put the 2 gb stick in the #1 slot, and the other 2 1gb in the other slots. The speed will default to the slowest.

[Cpt_Caster]

You shouldn't have any issues - just make sure that you that you get the right DDR type otherwise it wont fit.

If you've got three channels I'd use all three. Put the 1x2GB stick in the first channel and then 1x1GB in the first slot of each of the other two channels.

Someone correct me if there's a better way to do it.

[Arachnid]

Thats right. As long as you make sure it is DDR, DDR2, or DDR3.

Have you purchased the other ram stick yet?
If you are unsure you can check the specs of the model of your mainboard.
Or you can just take one of those sticks into a pc shop and they should be able to match it up with a 2gb sitck for you.

There is also a program called Everest Home Edition 2.20 that can tell you what the brand and model your motherboard is and in most instances what ram it takes.
EG: Mine says: Motherboard Physical Info: RAM Slots: 4 DDR2 DIMM.
Which means I have 4 slots for DDR2 RAM.

And like Thera said it will default to the slowest speed so as long as you get the right DDR type it will be compatible

[Arachnid]

If you have any issues feel free to PM me your number and i will call you

[Reiking WanGS]

Putting the single stick of ram in will also change it from Dual channel memory into Single channel memory mode.

[Arachnid]

Depends if the board supports dual channel.

With dual chanel the board usually needs to have only 2 ram slot or 4 ram slots and they are colour coded (what color it is doesnt matter).
Eg: Ram slots 1 and 3 are blue and 2 and 4 are black.
And i think the ram needs to be atleast the same size to be proper dual channel.

3 ram slots and dual chanel may not be supprted on your board.

This page shows you with pictures.
http://www.legendmemory.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=317