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Is it ok to have 8GB and 2GB sticks of RAM?

I currently have 4GB of RAM (2x2 GB). I was originally going to upgrade by getting two 4 GB sticks and replacing the two 2 GB sticks I have for a total of 8GB. But then I noticed that I could get one 8GB stick for the same price as two 4's, and combine it with one of the 2GB sticks already in my machine, giving me 10GB total. That way, I would end up with extra RAM and only waste 2GB of RAM. However, I was wondering if doing this would have any (negative or positive) performance impact or causing any problems with the motherboard. 

So --> Upgrade to 2X4, or 8 + 2? 


Additionally - How can I tell if I have DRR3 -1066 or 1333? Short of opening the chassis and looking inside? 

Side note:

I will also be upgrading my onboard graphics to an AMD Radeon HD 5670 with 2GB of memory, if that is at all related. 

ALSO: The RAM will all be the same type. 

Motherboard Info from HP:

Memory Info from HP:

Memory
  • Amount: 4 GB
  • Speed: PC3-10600 MB/sec (message as PC3-8500)
  • Dual channel memory architecture
  • Two DDR3 DIMM (240-pin) sockets
  • Supported DIMM types:
    • PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066)
    • PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333)
  • Non-ECC memory only, unbuffered
  • Supports 2GB DDR2 DIMMs
  • Supports up to 4 GB* on 32 bit PCs


Thanks in advance.
EDIT:::: a moot point. you have 2 slots, and max ram is 8 gigs.

You need to be extremely careful with mixed ram.  Not only do they have to match exactly but even then there are often problems with stability.

I doubt you are using all your 8 gigs now and a better bet might be to sell the excess on a site like ebay.

BTW I have the same HP
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I'll just go with the 2 x 4 GB. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

The reason I want to upgrade my RAM is for gaming. We'll see how the new GPU affects things. Then maybe I'll reconsider.

Thanks for your help. I really like this computer--it's very small, stylish, and I got it really cheap. The only problem is that the onboard graphics are simply deplorable. The WEI for the RAM, HDD, and CPU are good, but the graphics ratings are really low (3.2 and 3.4). 

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BTW:  What bit version of Windows 7 are you using?   Any 32bit version of Windows will not use the remaining RAM above 4GB.

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Your not going to improve any graphics score by adding more memory.

If its a desktop PC, buy a suitable graphics card, if its a notebook you are stuck with what you have.

Contributor since 2006
Currently win11 Pro & O365 Bus, multiple devices

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Don't worry, I have 64-bit Windows.

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I'm not looking to improve my graphics score with RAM. I am getting a new
Graphics card, as well. 

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Some times with older MB's (Motherboard's) the maximum amount of RAM you can have in 1 card is 2GB, and I'm guessing that your MB with only 2 ram card slots is in that boat. Some newer MB's do only have 2 slots for RAM cards but giving more info. about yr system will help me answer this question.

Regards

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Sorry, I just realised that your MB seems to be a new one, I agree that you should get 2x4GB cards!

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Last updated May 8, 2024 Views 25,445 Applies to: