Advice for buying new ram please

Graemzy · 26 Jan 2012

ok, i have 3g of DDR3 installed and want to get some more. The max band width on the ram installed PC3-10700 (667 MHz) What i want to know is do i have to match the bandwidth of the old ram when getting new? if i buy ram with a higher max bandwidth will the new ram only run as fast as the old ram is able to run when maxed out??? also i have two modules installed at the mo to make up the 3g, can i just buy one more stick of 4g? i just have a feeling that it if i buy the 4g it will only run a 3 because thats what is already installed. I was lookin at this for example

http://www.shop4memory.com/product_d...?product=12121

I have a AMD Athlon x2 processor (not 100% sure what the chip set is on that but i think its NIVIDA nForce 720a) any help would be great thanks!

DeaconFrost · 26 Jan 2012

RAM will run at the slowest speeds and lowest bandwidth available...meaning when you compare the chips. You're best bet, however is to match your sticks up, to avoid any potential compatibility issues.

The other thing to remember is, don't get too hung up on rated speeds and timings. Far too many people worry about them and pay extra for specific settings, without ever really seeing any kind of specific gains. We used to call them Benchmark Junkies...because that's all they really used their computers for.

I'm not sure about your motherboard, but you typically want them to be in matching pairs. I would consider getting a chip identical to your current 2 GB chip, and running them together to make 4 GB. You already have x64 Windows 7 installed, so you shouldn't have any issues seeing and using the memory.

Graemzy · 26 Jan 2012

yea see i thats what i was tryin to get across in my first post, i knew there was some things that ment it will only run as fast as the slowest part. i thought ya had to have matching pairs alright.

but...

i have a 2g and a 1g installed here and its running at 3g, thats why i asked for advice.
here is some screenys!

any ideas???

thanks for the help btw!

ignatzatsonic · 26 Jan 2012

The simplest and least complicated thing to do would be to buy 2 matching sticks of 4 GB each, replacing your 2 existing sticks. RAM is at an all-time price low point.

I wouldn't agonize over the RAM speed. Just make sure it is compatible with your motherboard.

You should be able to locate compatible RAM at Crucial.com using their configurator. Then buy it wherever you can.

Graemzy · 26 Jan 2012

yea im thinkin i might just do that. get two 4gs, ill wait till i get payed for next job, prob cost about 50 euro id say!

whs · 26 Jan 2012

Why don't you scan with the Crucial scanner. That will tell you what is compatible. Click the "system Scanner" tab on the website.

http://www.crucial.com/index.aspx?gc...20081213201317

Graemzy · 26 Jan 2012

i used there online one to find compatible? that will be the same thing tho will it??

I found some memory at shop4memory.com that should work!

DeaconFrost · 27 Jan 2012

Crucial.com is great for telling you how many slots and how much can fill each slot...as well as what speeds and type your board takes. Ordering from them is great, but may not be the cheapest option, especially if you aren't in the U.S. Just use their site as a guide, pick a reliable brand wherever you order from, and you'll be fine.