[RndTbl] Hardware question

[Trevor Cordes]

On 20 May, Kevin McGregor wrote:
> Sorry this is not a *nix question, but here goes:
> 
> Should there be any problem mixing two DDR2-667 DIMMs (CAS 4-4-4-12) with
> two other DDR2-667 DIMMs (CAS 5-5-5-15)? Would you expect problems, or
> should the system just use the slower of the speeds?

Works fine.  Will use slowest speed.  If dual channel (almost certainly
is), try to match the pairs in the proper banks.

Contrary to popular belief, you can very easily mix & match speeds in
the same DDR spec.  For example, most DDR1 systems that take 266 or 333
will easily take 400 which is cheaper.  Same with DDR2.  So buy the
cheapest one that is >= the speed your board supports.

The only time this may not work is if you're doing weird overclocking
stuff.