Stupid RAM question: bad idea to have different speeds of RAM?

[idNut]

I have a stick of 512MB DDR 2100 and a stick of 256MB DDR 2700. I had some problems getting it to work when I got the RAM (for Christmas which is why it's not 2100. Too eager for more RAM to return it for 2100) because I had to take the 512MB out of the first DIMM and put the 256MB in there because I'd get a Blue Screen of Death if I put it any other way. So I'm asking if it's unhealthy to put two different speeds of RAM in. Sounds basic and general but I don't know if it's a good idea or not. Also, is there a difference in value for RAM that is 2700 vs. say 2100? The reason I ask is because I'd like to maybe try and trade someone for this stick of RAM for a 256MB DDR 2100 stick.

 

[wake]

It's no problem.. if it works now no point messing around with it.

 

[idNut]

Well I've been getting slow downs lately with my RAM and every once in a while that BSOD will reappear. It also, lately at least, has taken much longer to boot up. It's angering me.

 

[0roo0roo]

slowdowns? ram doesn't "slow down" unless you set it to a lower speed. if your system bogs, its something else. boot time is your os. bsod could be hardware, but you'd have to test for that, it oculd be software too.

 

[bob4432]

what os?

 

[wallsfd949]

Had a friend try to mix 1GB PC2100 and 512MB PC2700. Computer would run fine for a while and then reboot. He finally pulled the PC2700 and sold it to me...

 

[idNut]

Windows XP Home Edition

Wonder what the problem is.

 

[Viper96720]

Can you set the ram settings manually in the bios?THe 2700 should have no problems running at 2100.

 

[Cosmic_Horror]

Both sticks will run at the speed of the slowest one so there shouldn't be a problem unless you are overclocking your ram and one stickisn't able to keep up.

if you suspect one of your sticks of ram is causing troubles, then remove one and run the system for a few days and see if you get any BSOD and then swap them and see if the other causes any trouble. Also you may want to test your ram to make sure it is good. using something like memtest86

hope this helps