Just a question, not really a problem.

[daddyzaring]

I have a computer with two memory slot. I also have two memory sticks, one 512mb, and the other 256. Can I run both of these, or do they have to be the same size? I know older computers had too be, but this is fairly new p4, 2.53MHz, and can hold up to 1G of RAM.

[Raptor]

They do not have to be equal in amount. However, they do need to be equal in speed for better performance.

As far as I recall, computers have been able to work with unequal amounts of RAM since 1996.. And most likely even further back.

[Flame]

When you say "size" do you mean what type the RAM stuck is? (ex. PC133) Or do you mean how much RAM it has? As long as your computer supports the type of RAM stick (ex. PC133), then they will both work flawlessly. Also, how much RAM one has comapred to the other makes no difference.. The speed will not be as good, but it will still work flawlessly... I hope this helps... It's confusing lol  

[glb]Flame[/glb]

[daddyzaring]

same size MB, they are both PC2700.
What do you mean, "The speed will not be as good?"  Will the 512mb, and the 256mb together, run slower than just the 512mb alone?

[merlin_2]

you can run both.....but its best to have them in pairs....like 512+512= 1024=+1gig.... it will run but you may experience.....problems....if playing games....in laymans terms....one ramstick is more pwerful than the other one....

[Cary_GRant]

you can run ANY configuration of RAM sized sticks (provided they are NOT RamBus or Ecc/Non-Ecc as those have to match). Just be sure to place the bigger of the two in slot 1 (it's the slot closest to the processor). Also, if they are not the same speed, the faster DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) will default to the slower one's speed. So if you run 1 stick of PC 2700, and another of PC 3200, the faster chip will run at the slower chip's speed of 2700.  And as far as playing nice is concerned, a 1 gig stick will be VERY friendly to a 32mb stick, so dont ever worry worry about the difference in sizes. But like i said, this does NOT pertain to Rambus or Ecc/Non-Ecc sticks. Cheers!