Solved Should I buy more ram..? help please!

[yuji]

Hello, I've had 2gb of ram on an 86 bit system for a few years on a custom built pc this is my processor type or whatever.

\
This is my current memory type.

I'm wondering if it's possible that upgrading would be better, I plan to switch to Windows 7 64bit (I've also been debating on upgrading to windows 8.1 64bit) I've heard 4gb of ram is more than enough for 64bit systems my system is supposed to be a dual core also what type of ram do I need? I've been planning to buy this one: G Skill Ripjaws x Series 4GB 240 Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 PC3 12800 Desktop Me | eBay BUT I need to know if I should buy more ram for my computer and IF I do would it be better? thanks.. I hope I've explained it well enough for you guys to understand.

 

[essenbe]

You first need to consult your Motherboard specs and see how much ram it will take and what kind of ram it needs. It would help us help you if you would fill in your system specs. We can't give you much advice if we don't know what hardware you have.

Please fill out your System Specs​

   Information

Your System Specs will help us to help you, and doing it in this manner will make them available to all helpers in every post and keep us from hunting for them. We ask that you fill them out in as much detail as possible including Desktop or Laptop, Model number if it is an OEM computer and all components with the Manufacturer and Model number if possible.

If you will go to your last post and click the 'System Specs' in the bottom left of the post, you will find a link to update your system specs. Please fill those out in as much detail as possible, making sure to click save at the bottom of the page. If you would like to know what we would like, you can click 'My System Specs' at the bottom left of this post to see mine. If you do not know what your components are, this will help you accomplish this task. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html​

 

[yuji]

Alright, I've filled out as much as I could hopefully that will give you a better understanding thanks for linking that!

 

[whs]

The Crucial Scanner is an easy tool to determine how much RAM is possible, what kind you need and what it costs (in the US).

systemscanner | United States (USD)

 

[Layback Bear]

Just a little information. Which should also be found in the motherboard manual.

GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM3 - GA-M68MT-S2P (rev. 3.0)

2 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 8GB of system memory (Note 1)
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 1333(OC)/1066/800 MHz memory modules

 

[yuji]

The Crucial Scanner is an easy tool to determine how much RAM is possible, what kind you need and what it costs (in the US).

systemscanner | United States (USD)

Thanks, it says my computer has two memory slots and I'm trying to buy ram at a cheaper price at the moment, these are all too expensive right now than the one I've linked.

Just a little information. Which should also be found in the motherboard manual.

GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM3 - GA-M68MT-S2P (rev. 3.0)

2 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 8GB of system memory (Note 1)
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 1333(OC)/1066/800 MHz memory modules

I see, could I buy the ram stick on the link I've posted? it has 4gb of ram + at a great price. I just want to know if it's the kind of ram stick I can use in my computer and can I do a clean install to 64bit without any problems?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I see, could I buy the ram stick on the link I've posted? it has 4gb of ram + at a great price. I just want to know if it's the kind of ram stick I can use in my computer and can I do a clean install to 64bit without any problems?

Do you mean the RAM you linked in your first post, from Ebay?

It is this:

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

That looks to be compatible with your motherboard.

But you have 2 GB now. Adding this would give you 6.

Do you want 4 total or 6 total?

Or do you intend to discard the 2 GB you now have?

You should use 2 sticks total, so if you want 4 GB total, I'd look to buy one more 2 GB stick, not that 4 GB stick.

If you intend to discard the 2 you have now, you should buy two 2 GB sticks to give you 4 GB of new RAM.


You might look on your motherboard manufacturer's web site to see if there is an officially approved list of compatible RAM. Maybe yes, maybe no. If this Ebay RAM isn't on that list, it doesn't mean it won't work fine.

 

[yuji]

Do you mean the RAM you linked in your first post, from Ebay?

It is this:

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

That looks to be compatible with your motherboard.

But you have 2 GB now. Adding this would give you 6.

Do you want 4 total or 6 total?

Or do you intend to discard the 2 GB you now have?

You should use 2 sticks total, so if you want 4 GB total, I'd look to buy one more 2 GB stick, not that 4 GB stick.

If you intend to discard the 2 you have now, you should buy two 2 GB sticks to give you 4 GB of new RAM.


You might look on your motherboard manufacturer's web site to see if there is an officially approved list of compatible RAM. Maybe yes, maybe no. If this Ebay RAM isn't on that list, it doesn't mean it won't work fine.

Well if it's compatible I'm willing to risk it,so if I can keep the 2 GB I have now and add on a total of 6 would that be better for a 64bit os installation? the more ram the better I think,thanks for responding looking forward to your next response!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Well if it's compatible I'm willing to risk it,so if I can keep the 2 GB I have now and add on a total of 6 would that be better for a 64bit os installation? the more ram the better I think,thanks for responding looking forward to your next response!

If you have two identical 2 GB sticks, total of 4 GB, they should run in "dual channel" mode.

If you have a 2 GB stick and a 4 GB stick, total of 6 GB, I think they are going to run in single channel model.

Dual channel is slightly faster than single channel.

BUT if you actually will use the 5th and 6th GB, you are better off with 6 in single channel than 4 in dual channel.

If you never would actually use the 5th and 6th, you're probably better off with 4 in dual channel.

I have 4 in dual channel. I've never used more than about 3.2. I have 64-bit Win 7 Home Premium.

So, it's important to know how much you'll use. Check Task Manager and Resource Monitor.

You may never notice any difference between single and dual channel.

So, in the real world, it may not matter much at all whether you have 2 plus 2 for 4 total or 2 plus 4 for 6 total.

 

[AddRAM]

You should always AddRAM when possible

 

[Layback Bear]

Adding ram is always a good thing but their is some guide lines I recommend.

1. Always get ram in matched sets.
2. Always install ram as per the motherboard manual.
3. If your motherboard is dual, triple or quad channel add the ram per the motherboard manual so you don't loose the capability. If single channel was best all motherboards would be made single channel only.

 

[RolandJS]

Also, just because a 3rd party reseller says there RAM sticks will work, doesn't mean their sticks will -- actually work. I found out there are kwik-reference sales specs, and then there are technical, inside-the-stick "buildings," architectural, --> SPECS. I purchased my sticks from the place where I got my laptop from, no problems. In short, keep your receipt until mobo fully accepts and fully uses the new twin sticks.

 

[AddRAM]

Your board supports 8 GB of 1333/1066/800 MHZ

Not 1600 PC3 12800

If you`re going to install 64 bit you should install 8 GB of 1333 PC3-10666 ( 2 x 4 GB sticks )

GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM3 - GA-M68MT-S2P (rev. 3.0)

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL - Newegg.com

But get 4 GB if that`s what you can afford.

 

[yuji]

Well if it's compatible I'm willing to risk it,so if I can keep the 2 GB I have now and add on a total of 6 would that be better for a 64bit os installation? the more ram the better I think,thanks for responding looking forward to your next response!

If you have two identical 2 GB sticks, total of 4 GB, they should run in "dual channel" mode.

If you have a 2 GB stick and a 4 GB stick, total of 6 GB, I think they are going to run in single channel model.

Dual channel is slightly faster than single channel.

BUT if you actually will use the 5th and 6th GB, you are better off with 6 in single channel than 4 in dual channel.

If you never would actually use the 5th and 6th, you're probably better off with 4 in dual channel.

I have 4 in dual channel. I've never used more than about 3.2. I have 64-bit Win 7 Home Premium.

So, it's important to know how much you'll use. Check Task Manager and Resource Monitor.

You may never notice any difference between single and dual channel.

So, in the real world, it may not matter much at all whether you have 2 plus 2 for 4 total or 2 plus 4 for 6 total.

Hmm, then what would you suggest me do? should I just get another 2GB of ram and run it in dual mode? and if I get 2 plus 4 how would I go about putting it into use? personally I want as much memory as possible if tabs are up for a long period of time in Google Chrome, it starts to slow down same goes with using programs such as photoshop,dreamweaver etc since I've heard these programs start to eat a lot of memory at once I just want a nice set,thanks!

Your board supports 8 GB of 1333/1066/800 MHZ

Not 1600 PC3 12800

If you`re going to install 64 bit you should install 8 GB of 1333 PC3-10666 ( 2 x 4 GB sticks )

GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM3 - GA-M68MT-S2P (rev. 3.0)

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL - Newegg.com

But get 4 GB if that`s what you can afford.

Hmm, 2 plus 4 wouldn't work then? or? I might actually consider getting it. edit: should I get a single 4 GB ram if so?

 

[AddRAM]

You should buy a new matched set, I explained it.

Of course 2 plus 4 would work, but why waste the money if you will install 64 bit.

Save your money to get a good matched pair like I linked

 

[Layback Bear]

yuji I would suggest going back and read the complete thread again.
Your questions have been answered and suggestion given.

 

[yuji]

You should buy a new matched set, I explained it.

Of course 2 plus 4 would work, but why waste the money if you will install 64 bit.

Save your money to get a good matched pair like I linked

Alright, I'll do that if that's what's best for my computer thanks!

yuji I would suggest going back and read the complete thread again.
Your questions have been answered and suggestion given.

I have read through the thread, it's just my first time buying new ram for my computer so I'm making sure I'm making the right choices instead of buying too many sticks of ram -- I'l end the thread here and buy the ram that AddRAM suggested whenever I can afford it I'm close to the right amount! thanks guy for your help & sorry if I annoyed you guys too much lol. I'll mark the thread as solved!

 

[AddRAM]

In no way are you annoying us, we are glad to help

 

[Layback Bear]

You are in no way annoying me.

My post #16 was just a reminder to go through the thread again so you would have a better understanding of your ram questions and the answers.

We like helping people that is why many of us spend hours each day doing just that, helping.

Let us know when you get your new ram.

 

[RolandJS]

The only annoyance around here is: the UNasked question, for which we can not answer 'cause they're unasked