5
Specifically, will there be any instability or other problems if I install DDR3 1066MHz (PC3-8500) RAM with a motherboard rated to be compatible with DDR3 1600MHz (PC3-12800) & DDR3 1866MHz (PC3-14900), using Crucial's system scanner.
The machine came with a single 2GB 1600MHz stick. I had 2x 2GB 1066MHz sticks lying around, so I was wondering whether I could use them.
I tried searching, and only found answers for the other way round (RAM faster than motherboard specification).
instability problems - no; What speed is currently installed? – Ramhound – 2014-02-12T15:34:40.087
I'm still using the original 1600MHz stick. Is it safe to switch to the slower sticks? – Jin – 2014-02-12T15:39:10.227
You do understand the 1600Mhz stick will be downclocked, right? A 33% decrease in speed will make a significant difference. – Ramhound – 2014-02-12T15:43:18.450
No, I'm planning to replace the 1600MHz stick with 2x 1066MHz sticks, not use them at the same time. My concern is whether the motherboard is compatible with the slower sticks. – Jin – 2014-02-12T15:45:48.523
You still will be lower the speed of your memory by 33% – Ramhound – 2014-02-12T15:53:26.680
I know.. but I would rather have 4GB of slower RAM than 2GB of faster RAM.. – Jin – 2014-02-12T16:04:32.543