Gigabyte Motherboard GA-8TRC410M-NF (Memory upgrade)

My computer is low spec and over 8 years old.. I only have 1GB RAM which is beginning to become a problem on Windows 7 so I was thinking of upgrading although it seems my motherboard only has 2 slots so would mean I need to purchase 2x1GB or 2x2GB but is it really worth it to spend the money.. I have always put off and delayed upgrading my PC due to motherboard, processor and ram etc needing to be compatible so is easier to upgrade as a whole but I'm not ready yet and looking to squeeze possibly another 2 years out of my current system.

Where is a cheap place to buy my RAM. I was only looking to spend like £30 or else it seems like a waste especially as my processor is intel pentium 4 (2.93Ghz) should I buy used RAM or buy it new ?

Thanks

I forgot to add. I'm running Windows 7 off Corsair Force 3 120GB SSD. My physical memory is usually always up around 80% (I haven't fully optimized startup programs yet) and I don't game.. mostly just web browse and use pc as entertainment media center occasionally like to edit images, render/create videos, burn cds, convert formats some things that are little processor intense so not sure ram would benefit in those scenario ideally I think an extra GB but I'm guessing it'll be more cost effective and worth it to go 2x2GB for 4GB but will my system only register/show 3.4GB because I'm on 32bit windows ?

I really think upgrading your memory now would be a waste of money. You would be better off waiting till you can afford a new motherboard, CPU, etc. & then get the amount of RAM that you would like then.

Your current RAM socket on the motherboard has probably been superseded, so getting new RAM now would mean it would not suit a new motherboard later, so whatever you would spend now would be wasted.

archer said:

Hi, Welcome to Sevenforums.

As per Gigabyte website, your motherboard can be upgraded to 4GB of RAM and it is DDR 2 memory slot. You can upgrade the RAM.

Win 7 itself uses 1 GB RAM to perform. So, go ahead. You can check this page for the options to buy RAM.

Cheers.

Hey thanks for your reply, I just purchased these and they're due to arrive tomorrow are they compatible with my computer specs and are they value for money?

Crucial CT2KIT25664AA800 4 GB (2 GB x 2) DDR2 Memory Module

Memory Slots:
DRAM Slot #1 512 MB (DDR2-533 DDR2 SDRAM)
DRAM Slot #2 512 MB (DDR2-533 DDR2 SDRAM)

I recently performed a fresh format of Windows 7 and have started using Microsoft's Bitlocker Full Disk Encryption and have noticed web browsing is unbearably slow so I couldn't hold out any longer

ignatzatsonic said:

Swiftkidd said:

I just purchased these and they're due to arrive tomorrow are they compatible with my computer specs and are they value for money?

Crucial CT2KIT25664AA800 4 GB (2 GB x 2) DDR2 Memory Module

What caused you to choose that particular RAM kit?

Crucial is generally a good brand, but it's unclear why you chose that kit.

I looked at Crucial for compatible RAM and did not find your exact Gigabyte motherboard listed.

Maybe you have a Packard Bell PC?

Go here:

Crucial.com - DRAM, solid state drive (SSD) memory upgrades for Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS

and use the "system scanner". It will tell you what Crucial memory is compatible.

Thanks for the reply,

I think my machine is a Packard Bell iMedia MC 1538 but have since replaced computer case, graphics card, hard drive so no longer remember but all my specs are listed in my profile. I used the Crucial Scanner prior to purchasing but failed to return many suggestions as it claims to only search it's own webstore and suspect in general that system scanners are never really that reliable.

Purchasing ram was a last minute thing as I signed up to Amazon's free 30 day trail to purchase a replacement laptop charger as my computer's web browser has became unbearably slow so wanted to purchase ram that qualified for Amazon Prime did I buy crap? to be honest I plan on replacing CPU, Motherboard, Ram, graphics card etc. with-in the next couple of years as it's coming up to 10 years old as of next week.. I would have settled for a generic brand of ram but because I was limited to DDR2 240pin and the prices were from £35 upwards I just chose lowest cost Crucial that was available for express delivery.. feel free to suggest alternative (I don't know anything about ram just chose based on capacity, compatibility and cost)

I've had total success with Crucial over the last 20 years. The cost listed on the posted images is much less than a new motherboard which at this time probably will need a new/compatible CPU and compatible RAM, probably DDR3 although there is DDR4 being mentioned now and then. Also of note is the newest computers and Notebooks are starting to use lower-voltage modules, important to check that out to assure the correct ones to get. Bottom line, a RAM upgrade is quite feasible, cost-effective since support for Win7 will be around until early 2020. And you may be offered the free upgrade to Win10 and you'll be better positioned for it.

I have Win10TP on a computer that came with Vista, max. RAM is 4GB. An issue with yours is that it's a 32-bit OS and changing to 64-bit will require a clean install. Either way the RAM will not be a waste, 32-bit will display using about 3.2GB to 3.5GB. It's always best to use matched modules when having 2 or more.

I've got a strange motherboard that has a max. of 2GB RAM but has 3 slots on it, have 2 1GB modules installed.

@ignatzatsonic - The system scanner is exclusive to Crucial's stock featured in their webstore.. DDR2 being antique means they only stock one 4GB kit which even if I chose to purchase couldn't find it listed on Amazon UK which I have Amazon Prime membership (24hr delivery).. What would your suggested alternative be in terms of supported capacity,

My current RAM:
DIMM1: SK Hynix HYMP564U64BP8-C4
DIMM2: SK Hynix HYMP564U64BP8-C4

Field Value
Memory Module Properties
Module Name SK Hynix HYMP564U64BP8-C4
Serial Number 00008252h (1384251392)
Manufacture Date Week 16 / 2006
Module Size 512 MB (1 rank, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered DIMM
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings
@ 266 MHz 5-4-4-12 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 16-28-2-4-2-2 (RC-RFC-RRD-WR-WTR-RTP)
@ 266 MHz 4-4-4-12 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 16-28-2-4-2-2 (RC-RFC-RRD-WR-WTR-RTP)
@ 200 MHz 3-3-3-9 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 12-21-2-3-2-2 (RC-RFC-RRD-WR-WTR-RTP)

Memory Module Features
Analysis Probe Not Present
FET Switch External Disabled
Weak Driver Supported