Solved Need help selecting RAM please

[gbu]

My old board gave up the ghost so have been looking at new boards that will take my existing components, the only thing im stuck on is the RAM, ive seen 2 different modules and was wondering if i can use either one?

One is 2x2GB and the other is 2x4GB

8Gb is Corsair CMX8GX3M2A1333C9 XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB)
Corsair CMX8GX3M2A1333C9 XMS3 8GB Two Memory Module Kit: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories


4GB is Corsair TW3X4G1333C9A XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 Memory
Corsair TW3X4G1333C9A XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 Memory: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Board is GA-G41MT-S2PT (Rev 1.3) GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket 775 - GA-G41MT-S2PT (rev. 1.0)

Many Thanks

 

[ignatzatsonic]

They are very similar if not identical. Newegg says one has a voltage spec of 1.5 to 1.65 and the other is 1.5 only.

Your Gigabyte links says this is what the board supports:

1. 2 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 8 GB of system memory
* Due to Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than 4 GB.
2. Dual channel memory architecture
3. Support for DDR3 1333 (O.C.)/1066/800 MHz memory modules


I don't see those exact model numbers on the Qualified Vendor List for memory, but that doesn't mean much.

Looks to me like you can use either.

 

[profdlp]

My advice would be to get the 2 X 4GB pair. There is not that much price difference and they will have a longer resale value time frame. Plus, the world is going to 64-Bit and 8GB is the new standard for anything but a bargain rig.

 

[gbu]

Thanks for the replies.

i wasnt sure about the 2x4Gb ones because of the 1.65v rating, will that be ok?
Corsair say Tested 1.65v and SPD 1.5v in the Tech Spec tab:-
http://www.corsair.com/cmx8gx3m2a1333c9.html

Ive got 64bit Windows 7 so that should be ok and i would prefer the 2x4Gb RAM

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I doubt the sticks rated for 1.5 to 1.65 will be a problem, but why take a chance if you are concerned.

Here's another Corsair DDR 3 pair of 2 sticks, 4 GB each, 1.5 volts, 1333 speed:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb...ters&field-keywords=CMV8GX3M2A1333C9&x=8&y=10

Or you could go with known qualified stuff from Crucial:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb...rs&field-keywords=CT2KIT51264BA1339&x=16&y=15

 

[gbu]

i ended up going with the ones i listed in post #4:-
XMS3
They are 1.5v which is good, however it does say suitable for i5 and i7 which mine isnt as its a Q8400 and in the Corsair forums someone said that my board or chipset will not support the higher density modules even though it does say in the link above :-

Designed for use with all DDR3 motherboards with two memory channels

So now im really confused and not sure whether to open them and try or send them back?

 

[bobkn]

i ended up going with the ones i listed in post #4:-
XMS3
They are 1.5v which is good, however it does say suitable for i5 and i7 which mine isnt as its a Q8400 and in the Corsair forums someone said that my board or chipset will not support the higher density modules even though it does say in the link above :-

Designed for use with all DDR3 motherboards with two memory channels

So now im really confused and not sure whether to open them and try or send them back?

It's OK.

Newegg lists that RAM as compatible with rev 1.1 of the Gigabyte board:

Newegg.com - Memory Finder Tool

I expect that a newer revision of the board would not break compatibility.

 

[gbu]

Thats a great help thank you its a weight off my mind!
The actual revision of the board im getting is 1.1 GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket 775 - GA-G41MT-S2PT (rev. 1.1)
i thought it was going to be 1.3 but i was quoted the wrong rev by the supplier and after i spoke to one of gigabytes tech guys they said the only difference anyway is the wiring diagram but this one i have ordered is 1.1

Rep to you and everyone that has helped me

 

[gbu]

Ok so ive rebuilt the PC and switched it on and although it turns on and everything seem to be working as it should but there was no post beep sound.

Could this be the RAM problem as it was one of the reasons from Corsair not to get this module as they said it may not post but is this the same as not posting or just no beep?

 

[bobkn]

Ok so ive rebuilt the PC and switched it on and although it turns on and everything seem to be working as it should but there was no post beep sound.

Could this be the RAM problem as it was one of the reasons from Corsair not to get this module as they said it may not post but is this the same as not posting or just no beep?

Do you have a PC speaker connected to the front panel header?

That is sometimes (usually? always?) needed to get a POST beep.

If you can boot into Windows, you're probably fine. It might be a good idea to run a memory diagnostic to see whether the memory is perfectly compatible. Here's one tool:

http://www.memtest.org/

 

[gbu]

Just checked the spec and googled a bit and this case doesnt have an inbuilt speaker so thats why i cant hear anything!

I am going to chuck out my old case so i may see if i can liberate the speaker from that and fit it in somewhere or least boot up with it connected just to hear if it indeed does beep.

I'll have a run through with memtest but ive never found it to be the most accurate of gauges in the past when i used it to diagnose RAM.