Windows 7: Help in updgrading RAM+updating to Win7 64bit

dorian hawkmoon · 11 Feb 2013

Hi there

...
I want to upgrade to 64 bit Windows 7, I have 4gb ddr3 (my specs. are in the proper place below) and I want to add another 2gb of RAM. What would be prudent-- add the extra stick and then format...or what would be the proper/safe procedure? I was also thinking about this because RAM sticks are often faulty, even Corsair.

TwoCables · 11 Feb 2013

Memory is one of those things that you can install anytime you want. So, it even would be ok if you install 64-bit Windows 7 and then don't get around to installing the memory until much later on.

dorian hawkmoon · 11 Feb 2013

Okay -- thanks! Then I can install it later on I guess. I asked because I have no real experience with 64bit OS. I have downloaded ATi gfx driver and my security suite's 64 bit version (BDIS 2012), the sound driver I have also downloaded but Steelseries seem to have problems with drivers. Apart from that I'm in the lurch about what preparations I should make...except, I get the impression that I should add another 2gb of RAM!

TwoCables · 11 Feb 2013

Quote: Originally Posted by dorian hawkmoon

Okay -- thanks! Then I can install it later on I guess. I asked because I have no real experience with 64bit OS. I have downloaded ATi gfx driver and my security suite's 64 bit version (BDIS 2012), the sound driver I have also downloaded but Steelseries seem to have problems with drivers. Apart from that I'm in the lurch about what preparations I should make...except, I get the impression that I should add another 2gb of RAM!

To be honest, I see no reason to add 2 GB of memory. I had 4GB for a very long time with 64-bit and I never had more than about 2 GB of usage. I have 8GB now because I fell for Crysis 2's supposed "recommended" system requirements of 8 GB. I never saw more than 2.5 GB of usage while playing Crysis 2. So, I have 8GB of memory when I really only need about 3 GB.

dorian hawkmoon · 11 Feb 2013

I intend to run Adobe Premiere pro Cs5/6 on this, as I will have to do projects with my present rig...my processor's not that hot! I have heard A.P.P loves munching on RAM

; I am thinking of upgrading to FX-4100 later (as Phenom series is not really available anymore here & the more powerful Bulldozer cpus & i5s are totally out my budget)...even then I may have to flash my BIOS because th M5A78L-M LX doesn't support FX series out of the box even when it's a AM3+ platform!

AddRAM · 11 Feb 2013

If you can afford it, maxing out your ram is the easiest way to increase performance, install 64 bit before or afterwards. You have the key, just download the windows 7 iso and burn to dvd and you`re good to go.

gregrocker · 11 Feb 2013

Run the Crucial System Scanner software to find out what type of memory is in your computer.

Once you confirm your available slots and specs, you can shop online to get the best deal. However if you have a local parts desk at a CompUSA/TigerDirect, Micro Center, etc. type store, the prices may be comparable and it'll be local for ease of returns/exchanges.

dorian hawkmoon · 12 Feb 2013

I have one slot free out of 2. I want to buy this ram:-
CORSAIR RAM VALUE 2GB DDR3
because I think I've got the 4gb variant of this installed. No use getting more bigger, powerful & more expensive ram I think, because I've not much room left in my cabinet anyway. Another problem is I think I've got to change my HyperTX3 because if I do get the FX series after a successful (?

) flash; it won't fit,will it?

Layback Bear · 12 Feb 2013

Quote: Originally Posted by dorian hawkmoon

Hi there

...
I want to upgrade to 64 bit Windows 7, I have 4gb ddr3 (my specs. are in the proper place below) and I want to add another 2gb of RAM. What would be prudent-- add the extra stick and then format...or what would be the proper/safe procedure? I was also thinking about this because RAM sticks are often faulty, even Corsair.

I would do the clean install of your 64 bit operating system first.
Make sure everything works as it should and then install the ram.
If you do the ram first and have problems installing the operating system you won't know if the ram is the problem or the install.

Lady Fitzgerald · 12 Feb 2013

Quote: Originally Posted by Layback Bear

Quote: Originally Posted by dorian hawkmoon

Hi there

...
I want to upgrade to 64 bit Windows 7, I have 4gb ddr3 (my specs. are in the proper place below) and I want to add another 2gb of RAM. What would be prudent-- add the extra stick and then format...or what would be the proper/safe procedure? I was also thinking about this because RAM sticks are often faulty, even Corsair.

I would do the clean install of your 64 bit operating system first.
Make sure everything works as it should and then install the ram.
If you do the ram first and have problems installing the operating system you won't know if the ram is the problem or the install.

Not to mention that the existing 32 bit system won't "see" anymore RAM if you install it first.

Windows 7: Help in updgrading RAM+updating to Win7 64bit

Help in updgrading RAM+updating to Win7 64bit problems?