can u use 2 diff brand names for dual channel?

hey all,

I've been meaning to upgrade to 1 gig of ram and run em in dual channel but ram prices have skyrocketed. However, i've managed to find one stick KINGSTON HYPERX PC3500 512MB CAS 2-3-3-7 selling for cheaaap, so i'm thinking if i buy it and throw it in w/ my ocz 3500el, which also does 2-3-3-7, they should get along fine w/ dual channel enabled, unless i'm missing somethin? I know i can expect a drop in my fsb overclock, but do u guys think they'll atleast work together?

The hyperx3500 are ch5 ramchips and i believe the ocz 3500el are as well. I was initially gonna buy another 512mb 3500el OCZ stick, but all stores sell em for $240+ (cdn), so u gotta make due w/ what u find.

Thnx in advance for any feedback.

ya they'll work together, i have mix brands of ram in my computer and they run fine together.

thnx, but please confirm, u have 'em running in dual channel mode? Dual channel is apparently very finicky and picky in its ram mate.


Edit: your mobo does'nt run em in dual-channel.

It isn't recommended and complications constantly arise with this. This is why kingston, mushkin, etc make kits that come with ram from the same batch,etc.

It isn't recommended to overclock either, yet many do.

The best results when running in dual channel seem to come from sticks from the same company but it CAN work.......

I have a pair of matched sticks in my Epox 8RDA+ running now, but I have had mis-matched sticks as well.

My Biostar based system has a pair from one company and a third stick not only from a different company but of a different speed rating!
256 PC2700 (x2)
256 PC3200

Runs just fine.

But you take a chance trying it.

hmmm, i think i'll give it a shot as i'll be saving quite a bit if i buy the hyperx. If it does'nt work out i can sell the 3500 hyperx near its retail price and make back most of my money (espcially w/ ram prices the way they are now).

Thnx for replies fellas.

BOOYEAH!!!! i got my 3500 kingston hyperx today, popped it into dimm2 (the ocz 3500el is in dimm3), booted up and NO PROBS!!!! Got a great deal on that kingston ram that i know i won't be seeing again ($180!). Dual Channel is working fine w/ 2 different brands w/ no errors in p95 or memtest. And i can still maintain my fsb overclock of 220, so i'm happy.

So there ya go, if u ever worry about dual channel w/ different brand names (or without a dc kit!) then u have first hand evidence that it'll work.

poohbear said:

BOOYEAH!!!! i got my 3500 kingston hyperx today, popped it into dimm2 (the ocz 3500el is in dimm3), booted up and NO PROBS!!!! Got a great deal on that kingston ram that i know i won't be seeing again ($180!). Dual Channel is working fine w/ 2 different brands w/ no errors in p95 or memtest. And i can still maintain my fsb overclock of 220, so i'm happy.

So there ya go, if u ever worry about dual channel w/ different brand names (or without a dc kit!) then u have first hand evidence that it'll work.

Click to expand...

Thing is, lots of others HAVE had trouble.

Always got to remember that doing such things is a gamble- sometimes you win, and sometimes not.

Glad it worked out for you though.