RAM question

[jester070993]

Recently, one of my DIMM's died so right now in my computer I only have 2 gigs of RAM.
This is the RAM I have Newegg.com - G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
Right now I only have one of these in my computer, so I am wondering if I can order this on newegg Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory , but will it work with the other RAM in my computer?

 

[Baez]

It will work but not in dual-channel as they are not the same type. They also will run at the higher of the two timings. Your current run at 4-4-4-12 and the other runs at 5-5-5-15. Your current module is faster.

 

[CrazeD]

G.Skill has life time warranty, send them for replacement.

 

[jester070993]

Yeah I will probably send it back. But I'm just wondering, what do you mean by dual channel? Will it still work like I have 4 gigs of RAM? What if I get RAM that has exactly the same timing as my RAM right now? Will it then work properly?

 

[Baez]

Dual-channel architecture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dual channel basically doubles the memories bandwidth when used. It sounds like a lot but in practical tests it doesn't give much of a performance boost so there's no need to worry.

Even if you get RAM with the same timings it still won't run in dual channel but it will run with timings of 4-4-4-12.

 

[jester070993]

OK so do you think it will be fine if I just get another stick of 2 gigs of RAM with the timings 4-4-4-12 or 5-5-5-15? And would it have to be the same company?

 

[CrazeD]

It doesn't have to be, but to ensure stability it's best to match them as closely as possible.

Honestly though, don't waste your money on that... just send it back on warranty. It'll only take 2-3 weeks max.

 

[jester070993]

dang, 2-3 weeks without my gaming computer??

 

[Baez]

Just grab a set of value ram to tide you over for now.

 

[jester070993]

what do you mean by value ram?