Solved Help in updgrading RAM+updating to Win7 64bit

[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.

 

[TwoCables]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 (? :sarc flash; it won't fit,will it?

 

[Layback Bear]

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]

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.

 

[Golden]

If you do install additional RAM first, do your self a favour and test It prior to installing x64.

www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

The reason I recommend this, is that should the RAM be defective, you will know straight away. Otherwise, if the RAM is bad/defective, you might encounter BSODS which will leave you wondering whether its the RAM or the x64 OS drivers. It could save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

Regards,
Golden

 

[TwoCables]

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 (? :sarc flash; it won't fit,will it?

I recommend making absolutely sure that it's precisely the same memory because mixing two different kinds of memory has the potential of causing problems - especially if something's different between the two such as the clock speed, timings, or the voltage.

To see exactly what you have now, you can either look at the sticker that's on your current memory stick, or you can look in the SPD tab in CPU-Z. In CPU-Z's SPD tab, you would look for the "Part Number" field.

Here's the main page for CPU-Z:

CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

("CPUID" is the developer's name)

 

[dorian hawkmoon]

Okay got it- clean format & install, but...shall I test the memory 1st then (because a clean install & then installation is also suggested here)? 2ndly, I couldn't get hold of Corsair Value Ram here, so I had to get Gskill 2gb module: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231252 or G.SKILL- World leading DDR3 computer memory and SSD manufacturer -Products, will it go together? I'm attaching the Corsair RAM details. Really appreciate the help and information folks, I'm totally new to this 64bit upgrade+update process :banghead:

 

[TwoCables]

The stock specs are identical, so it should work. However, I've never tried mixing memory like this. I've always believed that it's best to get matching pairs, like this one for $43.99 shipped:

Team Elite 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model TED38192M1333HC9DC - Newegg.com

I found this kit by sorting by "8GB (2 x 4GB)" and then sorting by lowest price first.

It would completely replace your Corsair memory.

 

[dorian hawkmoon]

Okay, but recently my budget won't allow that; I've to upgrade to FX series 1st. I hope the Gskill goes okay and I can upgrade to 64bit OS tomorrow. If not I'll have to go through 'return to shop' hassle at the very least!

 

[TwoCables]

Okay, but recently my budget won't allow that; I've to upgrade to FX series 1st. I hope the Gskill goes okay and I can upgrade to 64bit OS tomorrow. If not I'll have to go through 'return to shop' hassle at the very least!

How much longer would it be before you can upgrade to the FX if you were to get this memory kit I'm recommending?

 

[dorian hawkmoon]

It would set me back by a month at least; there's a central government budget price revision that will make computer products costlier, scheduled for this month's end (in India).

 

[TwoCables]

Oh. Then I would recommend planning on replacing both the Corsair and G.SKILL modules with some 2 x 4GB kit in the future if it's possible (as soon as possible after the upgrade to the FX).

Also, I didn't know that you're India. When you linked to Newegg, I thought you were trying to imply that you can order from them. So now I don't know what the cheapest decent 2 x 4GB kit would be for you.

 

[dorian hawkmoon]

Yes, that's okay. I linked to newegg because they would give correct specs. of the RAM- unlike other sites. Actually, I usually buy from these guys: RAM they have a decent stock of products around this part of my state.

 

[TwoCables]

Oh. How much would you be able to spend on the memory?