Can I mix the size of memory?

Question

I have a motherboard MSI p4m890 that can handle a maximum of 4 gig ddr2 RAM. I currently have 1gig in this. Can I add another 2Gig and bring it up to 3 or does it have to be the same amount of memory for each memory

Answer 1

It will work. The sticks will default only to the max speed and lowest timings of the slowest module however. I'd be more concerned about compatible voltage between the mixed modules.

Answer 2

Yes you can. However it would be more beneficial for you to put just another 1GB stick in, since they will run in dual channel mode.

Answer 3

If you haven't bought any extra ram yet: take the 1GB stick out and take it to the place you buy your ram from so they may access your RAM needs. if you have 4 ram slots , i suggest that you get 3 more 1GB sticks because most motherboards support dual channel mode (it essentially lets your ram work double as fast) which requires an even number of sticks of the same ram. if you have already purchased your 2GB of ram then, like someone else suggested, it cant harm your machine to install them.  

Answer 4

go to www.crucial.com and see let their little program scan your system it will telll you what memory you have and what the max speed and size you can upgrade to. Just because your computer can handle 4gb total does it have 4 slots or 2 slots. If it has 4 slots then the 2gb stick will not work if it has 2 slots then it should work. I would let them scan and see what the program says. You can get then memory from them after it scans it will tell you their recommendations and prices. You can pick up 2*2gb sticks for around $50 or less all day long of DDR2. I have 4 slots that will handle 4gb each slot so 16gb max and only have 4*2gb (8gb total) right now running XP Pro 64bit with dual Intel Xeon (3.4ghz core 2 each) so basically it runs at 3.4*2*2 which is 13.6GHz and 8gb memroy with over 4TB hdd space. Thanks

Answer 5

It is fine to mix memory sizes on a modern motherboard - you should be ok to add a 2gb stick