Use RAM From Different Manufacturers

[Don]

My machine came with 2 sticks of KingMax KLCD48F-A8KB5 (DDR2 667 MHz,
PC5300 unbuffered) RAM. Would this be compatible with Kingston
KVR667D2N5K2/1G RAM? As far as I can tell, they have similar specs.
I'm using an Intel D945GNT series motherboard. I want to upgrade from 2
to 4 gigs of RAM (2 sticks to 4). It's just that Kingston RAM is easier
for me to get right now.

Thanks
Don

 

[John Doe]

My machine came with 2 sticks of KingMax KLCD48F-A8KB5 (DDR2 667
MHz, PC5300 unbuffered) RAM. Would this be compatible with
Kingston KVR667D2N5K2/1G RAM? As far as I can tell, they have
similar specs. I'm using an Intel D945GNT series motherboard. I
want to upgrade from 2 to 4 gigs of RAM (2 sticks to 4). It's
just that Kingston RAM is easier for me to get right now.

I have a similar concern upcoming. Besides supply voltage, I think
what matters is minimum timings. As far as I know, they will work
together at the lowest common settings. That assumes your mainboard
supports each type of RAM to begin with, and that the general
combination is allowed.

Good luck.

 

[bgd]

My machine came with 2 sticks of KingMax KLCD48F-A8KB5 (DDR2 667 MHz,
PC5300 unbuffered) RAM. Would this be compatible with Kingston
KVR667D2N5K2/1G RAM? As far as I can tell, they have similar specs. I'm
using an Intel D945GNT series motherboard. I want to upgrade from 2 to 4
gigs of RAM (2 sticks to 4). It's just that Kingston RAM is easier for me
to get right now.

Thanks
Don

I wouldn't even attempt it.
no matter what is claimed they are all different. Slow settings may work for
awhile.. problem will reveal itself eventually.

 

[John Doe]

I wouldn't even attempt it.
no matter what is claimed they are all different.

For what it's worth, some are precisely the same.

Slow settings may work for
awhile.. problem will reveal itself eventually.

And why is that? Are you talking about output/input sourcing/sinking
capabilities of individual IC chips causing some sort of strain on
the supply to the other module? Rise and fall times of one module's
chips somehow interfering with the other?

Ordinary logic errors probably cannot cause much if any physical
harm. What exactly are you talking about?

I think there really isn't much to be concerned about if the modules
run on the same supply voltage and both types are compatible with
the mainboard. I definitely don't see any harm resulting in
long-term use if they run fine to begin with.

Assuming there is a timing problem, can marginal timing harm
hardware? Somehow I doubt it but who knows.

 

[JAD]

I wouldn't even attempt it.
no matter what is claimed they are all different. Slow settings may work for awhile..
problem will reveal itself eventually.

Nah, thats speculation. I don't like to do it, however I have been mixing modules (with
some booting problems occasionally) for some time now. If the system boots and is stable,
it will remain so. (barring any hardware failure). Been using off brand for years, unless
instructed by users that want a specific brand. (waste of cash IMO). There are certain
configurations that require a huge amount of research before buying, I avoid that type of
situation. Thats where "problem reveal themselves", and usually means 'cutting edge' , I
have learned that the 'edge' cuts.

 

[jaster]

My machine came with 2 sticks of KingMax KLCD48F-A8KB5 (DDR2 667 MHz,
PC5300 unbuffered) RAM. Would this be compatible with Kingston
KVR667D2N5K2/1G RAM? As far as I can tell, they have similar specs. I'm
using an Intel D945GNT series motherboard. I want to upgrade from 2 to 4
gigs of RAM (2 sticks to 4). It's just that Kingston RAM is easier for me
to get right now.

Thanks
Don

I wouldn't recommend it, 50-50% chance. Keep the same vendor to avoid
problems and disappointment. FWIW, I had a problem with 2 sticks of
Kingston both labeled exactly the same specs. It took 2 RTMs @ ($15 each
return shipment) to get a compatible stick. Likewise Cosair no work
with Crucial.

 

[DaveW]

You very well may find that your system is unstable due to memory mistiming
errors when you try to run all four RAM slots occupied.

 

[Trimble Bracegirdle]

To just rem: slightly OT...your going from 2 to 4 gigs..
Both Windows XP & VISTA 32 Bit versions can not use all of more than 3 Gigs
..
If you have these O/S they will limit to some what over 3 Gigs...you MIGHT
get 3.5 ..

The 64 bit versions will use all.
Mouse
@@@