Different colored RAM slots.

Solved
morbad Posted messages 17 Status Member -  
marcmarais Posted messages 24260 Status Moderator -
Hello everyone!
My computer already has 2 x 512 MB of RAM, but I would like to add an additional 1 GB. I have 4 slots that are alternating colors (one blue, one black, one blue, one black). I would like to know if the colors have any significance, or if I can use all 4 slots without any distinctions?
Thank you in advance!

PS: Is it a problem if I put 2 sticks of 512 MB and 1 stick of 1 GB in the same computer?
Configuration: Windows XP Internet Explorer 7.0

10 answers

  1. marcmarais Posted messages 24260 Status Moderator 4 568
     
    Yes, your motherboard supports up to 4GB of DDR 333 or 400MHz:
    http://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00027816.html
    however, I can't find your motherboard on the Asus website; it is likely a special manufacturing for the brand of your PC
    so I can't tell you what is said in the manual regarding memory slot filling

    the best way to get an additional 1GB is to add 2 x 512MB of DDR like the sticks you already have, because this way you will be in Dual Channel, which is a bit faster, especially with a Pentium 4.
    6
  2. marcmarais Posted messages 24260 Status Moderator 4 568
     
    Hello,

    Yes, colors matter; otherwise, there would only be one color ;)
    Read the manual for your PC or motherboard; it's explained:
    The filling of the slots can't usually be done just any way,
    and it depends if you want the RAM to run in Single or Dual Channel.
    On certain motherboards, some configurations are not possible,
    but we don't know your motherboard...
    Please always provide your specs if you want us to help you effectively ;)
    4
  3. manbu Posted messages 196 Status Member 73
     
    Normally, the color coding allows you to identify the pairs of slots for dual channel operation.
    If you have two RAM sticks, you need to install them in the slots of the same color to benefit from dual channel.
    Dual channel typically requires RAM sticks of the same size.
    However, you can choose not to use dual channel; in that case, you can place the RAM sticks however you like.
    It's still best to check the manual for your motherboard.
    --
    If your problem has been "resolved", please remember to change the status of the message once it's done.
    2
  4. morbad Posted messages 17 Status Member 1
     
    Here is my configuration :

    Field Value
    Computer
    DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
    Internet Explorer 7.0.5730.11 (IE 7.0)
    User name Rémi
    System name PC-PLOTARD (Marc)
    System Service Pack [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    Operating system Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
    System type ACPI multiprocessor PC
    Connection domain [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    Date / Time 2009-03-08 / 15:32

    Motherboard
    Processor type Intel Pentium 4 630, 3000 MHz (15 x 200)
    Motherboard name Asus P5RD1-V (3 PCI, 3 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR DIMM, Audio, Video, Gigabit LAN)
    Motherboard chipset ATI Radeon Xpress 200
    System memory [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    BIOS type AMI (10/25/05)
    Communication port Communication port (COM1)
    Communication port Printer port (LPT1)

    Monitor
    Video card Radeon X1300XT/X1600Pro/X1650 Series Secondary (256 MB)
    Video card Radeon X1300XT/X1600Pro/X1650 Series Secondary (256 MB)
    3D accelerator ATI Radeon X1600 Pro / X1300 XT (RV530)
    Monitor ImageQuest Q770 [17" CRT] (154220051017)

    Multimedia
    Audio card Realtek ALC880(D) @ ULi/ALi M5461 High Definition Audio Controller

    Storage
    IDE controller IDE PCI Bus Master ALi M5229
    Storage controller ULi SATA Controller (M1573)
    Floppy drive Floppy drive
    Hard drive ST312082 7AS SCSI Disk Device (120 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA)
    Optical drive LITE-ON DVDRW LH-18A1P (DVD+R9:8x, DVD-R9:8x, DVD+RW:18x/8x, DVD-RW:18x/6x, DVD-RAM:12x, DVD-ROM:16x, CD:48x/32x/48x DVD+RW/DVD-RW/DVD-RAM)
    Hard disk status SMART Unknown

    Partitions
    C: (NTFS) [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    Total size [ TRIAL VERSION ]

    Input
    Keyboard Standard 101/102 keys or Microsoft Natural Keyboard PS/2
    Mouse Microsoft PS/2 Mouse
    Game controllers Microsoft PC joystick driver

    Network
    Main IP address [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    Main MAC address 00-15-F2-33-96-F0
    Network card Marvell Yukon 88E8001/8003/8010 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Controller (192. [ TRIAL VERSION ])
    Modem Communication cable between two computers

    Devices
    Printer HP Deskjet 5900 Series
    USB Controller ULi/ALi M5237 USB Open Host Controller
    USB Controller ULi/ALi M5237 USB Open Host Controller
    USB Controller ULi/ALi M5237 USB Open Host Controller
    USB Controller ULi/ALi M5273 USB 2.0 Host Controller

    DMI
    BIOS vendor American Megatrends Inc.
    BIOS version 0907
    System manufacturer System manufacturer
    System name System Product Name
    System version System Version
    System serial number [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    System UUID [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    Motherboard manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer INC.
    Motherboard name P5RD1-V
    Motherboard version Rev 1.xx
    Motherboard serial number [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    Chassis manufacturer Chassis Manufacture
    Chassis version Chassis Version
    Chassis serial number [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    Chassis identifier [ TRIAL VERSION ]
    Chassis type Desktop Case
    Memory sockets (Total/Free) 4 / 2

    Problems and suggestions
    Problem Free space on C: is only 1%.

    Otherwise, I will definitely consult the manual, at least I will be set!
    How is dual channel more advantageous? And can I do a "double" dual-channel? That is to say 2x512 and 2x1024, or even 4x512?
    1
  5. fabalex Posted messages 1504 Status Member 110
     
    Yes, you can add 2 sticks of 512MB as long as they are the same DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 and have the same frequency.
    0
  6. fabalex Posted messages 1504 Status Member 110
     
    you can put up to 4GB of DIMM DDR 333/400 MHz
    0
  7. morbad Posted messages 17 Status Member 1
     
    Great! Thanks everyone for your replies! I’ll be able to manage for less than €20! Would this be suitable for my PC: http://www.2xmoinscher.com/info/detail.asp?id=345237?
    Otherwise, I did indeed find something about the slots in the book (in English obviously) for my motherboard. Only, I'm not sure I understand the table, so I’m attaching a small photo: http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=95&u=11032245

    There you go! And by the way, what is the maximum amount of memory my motherboard could support?

    Thanks again for your replies!
    0
  8. marcmarais Posted messages 24260 Status Moderator 4 568
     
    Hello,

    Yes, this RAM is generally suitable for your PC.
    Your PC accepts one stick in any slot, or two sticks in the same color, or four sticks.
    You already have two 512MB sticks installed in the blue slots, for example.
    You just need to add two 512MB sticks purchased for the black slots,
    and then you'll have 2GB of RAM in Dual Channel, which is good for XP.

    Since you can put up to 1GB per slot (max RAM: 4GB, message 6), you could buy two 1GB sticks for a total of 3GB, still in Dual Channel, which is perfect and very close to the maximum useful possible.
    0
  9. morbad Posted messages 17 Status Member 1
     
    Indeed, the maximum RAM had been specified by Marcmarais, sorry I didn’t pick up on that. For the 3 GB, I still think I'll settle for buying 2x512 MB, because generally I never run more than one heavy application at a time (a game for example, but nothing in the background). That said, with games requiring more and more power (1 GB minimum for Empire: Total War), I might invest someday in 1 GB sticks...

    In any case, thanks to everyone for your answers, it’s really nice of you to take the time to reply!!!
    0
  10. marcmarais Posted messages 24260 Status Moderator 4 568
     
    You're welcome, keep us updated when you get your RAM sticks!
    0