RAM upgrading question

aw091486 · 01 Nov 2009

Just recently upgraded to Windows 7 Professional 64 bit after using Windows XP Pro for many years. My computers a few years old I built it myself and didn't skimp too much.

My question is about upgrading the RAM. I currently have 2 sticks of 1gb DDR2 RAM running in dual-channel mode. I have overclocked my GPU from 2.16ghz to 3.3 ghz. Since I have 64bit OS now, I was thinking of upgrading the RAM to probably 4gb, maybe 6gb?

Here's my options:
1. Buy matching memory to the ones I've been running, so I'll have 4 gb of matching dual channel memory, (4 x 1gb sticks)
2. Replace memory completely with 2 x 2gb dual channel kit
3. Buy 2 x 2gb matched kit and run with existing (2x1gb) kit, (6 gb total, 4 sticks)
4. Something else I haven't thought of?

I do overclock, so I'm not sure how mixing and matching memory would affect that. Also, anyone know what would happen to the dual channel if I end up using 4 sticks in either configuration?

ken9122 · 01 Nov 2009

Start with option 1.
You may have to adjust the memory voltage settings.

ken

chev65 · 01 Nov 2009

The odds of you finding an exact match with your present memory are very slim. You would be best off getting a matched 4GB memory kit.

6GB is not possible to run without mixing memory sets which is never a good idea, although you could shoot for a matching 8GB kit if you really need that much Ram.

aw091486 · 01 Nov 2009

chev65 said:

The odds of you finding an exact match with your present memory are very slim. You would be best off getting a matched 4GB memory kit.

6GB is not possible to run without mixing memory sets which is never a good idea, although you could shoot for a matching 8GB kit if you really need that much Ram.

I think 4gb is enough, I occasionally do CAD work, and photoshop, but nothing too extreme.

Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - Desktop Memory

I built my own system and that is the exact RAM i bought ~3 years ago so matching is simple. I guess 2x2gb isn't that much more nowadays than matching my old RAM, which is what I'm leaning towards, and just boxing my old set for backup use.