Solved RAM Selection

[feetand nches]

I would like to know if I can use this RAM I acquired recently to boost my now 4GB. I notice that usage is quite high once I have lot's of tabs open in browser. So what would be the best thing to do with what I have now. It's a 8GB Chip that I just got. I could buy new RAM but I am cheap LOL, well, broke is more like it. If it would be better I'll just buy another 4GB chip, as they look a little different in Frequency and Latency, but I don't know what it all means. I read up on it but it's a little over my head.

If I remember right, the Lower Latency is better, is that correct? The donor looks to be newer also. Is it possible or suggested to use 4GB in one slot and 8GB in another or just put the 8GB in there?

Here is the Speccy info on my computer, Dell 660s
Support for Inspiron 660s | Drivers downloads | Dell US

Number Of SPD Modules 1
Slot #1
Type DDR3
Size 4096 MBytes
Manufacturer Samsung
Max Bandwidth PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
Part Number M378B5173QH0-CK0
Serial Number 3512206592
Week/year 32 / 13
Timing table
JEDEC #1
Frequency 457.1 MHz
CAS# Latency 6.0
RAS# To CAS# 6
RAS# Precharge 6
tRAS 16
tRC 22
Voltage 1.500 V

Here is the RAM from the pc I got the RAM from:
Number Of SPD Modules 1
Slot #1
Type DDR3
Size 8192 MBytes
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Max Bandwidth PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
Part Number 16JTF1G64AZ-1G6E1
Serial Number 3737687293
Week/year 20 / 14
Timing table
JEDEC #1
Frequency 381.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 14
tRC 19
Voltage 1.500 V

What's interesting is they are both the same Latency at: JEDEC #7, but what is JEDEC #7 LOL?
Frequency 800.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 11.0

 

[fireberd]

The 660S will work with up to 8GB memory modules according to the Dell spec's. However, to have dual channel memory you need both of them the same (and same manufacturer and model). The 8GB will get you more memory but the memory will run at the slower speed of the 8GB module, IF it runs without problems because of the different memory modules. Give it a try but be prepared for problems and if that happens just use the 8GB module as that will give you more RAM even though you won't have dual channel operation. (You didn't have dual channel if all you had was one 4GB memory module).

Many older Dell's (not sure about later ones) had a history of memory compatibility for non-Dell memory. For that reason we always recommended Crucial memory on the Dell forums as Crucial was guaranteed to work on Dell's. Others are iffy, may or may not work. However, avoid Kingston "Value RAM" line as it was almost always problematic.

 

[feetand nches]

fireberd, I don't want problems LOL.

I think I will save little money and get an exact 4GB to match the one I have now. Want the best performance, is there anything else I should look at or is it not worth the small performance gain? Something like G.Skill?

I find it very difficult to navigate the Dell Documents, and nowhere do I see how to get the exact specs I need at the Dell site, even with the Service Tag, it's terrible!

Just realized I'm logged into amazon, so don't know if these links will work. But here they are, some ideas would be appreciated. I will just get another 4GB Samsung if you think that is best. You don't think G.Skill would work? I read some performance articles and they are supposed to be a little faster.
I see now that my CPU is Ivy Bridge, and that seems to matter:
Intel Coreâ„¢ i3-3240 Processor (3M Cache, 3.40 GHz) Product Specifications

G.Skill Not sure what this means though, and if it woud make a difference: CL9D-8GBSRas seen on some of the links I saw.

Or, just the Samsung

One person said it will work with Ivy Bridge, but we can't believe everything we read lol
"it will work at up to 1600mhz on any motherboard supporting ddr3 desktop memory... or it should. i use it on ivy bridge which is 3rd gen before hazwell and after sandy"
Thanks! No hurry as I can work with 4GB for now.

 

[fireberd]

I would buy two exact same RAM modules and upgrade with that. That will assure compatibility and dual channel operation.

Here is the Crucial memory listing. RAM SSD Upgrades | Dell Inspiron 660s | Crucial.com

 

[feetand nches]

I guess my questions are:
1. Do you think there is much performance gain going to a higher end RAM, like G.Skill etc.?
At some point I may go to an SSD also so that may matter a little.

2. If not I'll just match the chip that is there now with another 4GB Samsung Chip.

I'm trying to verify now if G.Skill will work on there forum, well, in the process.

Thanks, I love wrestling alligators on the Withlacoochee River.

 

[TechnoMage2016]

So, you live close to the Withlacoochee River? So do I, less than 3 miles away, in fact.

Being a PC professional, I don't deal in Mickey Mouse (brand X) ram. I only buy ram from Crucial.com.
By doing that, I know that I'm getting the best ram on the market today. They use only chips from Micron, the very top O the line ram maker.

If I want to upgrade the ram in a system, I will go ON-Line with that system and then go to "www.crucial.com" and take their ram test. That lets Crucial advise me on the perfect type and size of ram for that system. Then if I want to, I can order that ram right there on the spot, and have it sent to my home. I usually have it in my mail box in two to three days. I've bought hundreds of pieces of RAM that way and I've never been disappointed.

Just a suggestion.....

 

[feetand nches]

I used to live about the same exact distance from the Big W also. This was in the early to mid 80's, Point Lonesome I think it was called, off of North Retreat Dr. on North Branch Point. It's been a long time so it's not all that clear now.

I buy crucial also, but always up to gain a little more performance if the product is good. I've heard good things about G.Skill. I'll need to waste some time finding the exact Model of both the Samsung and the G.Skill to see if there is a decent performance gain. Some of the folks I converse with seem to like G.Skill. If there is no performance gain from G.Skill then I'll just get the 4GB Matching Samsung Chip. Even if there is a Performance Gain it will need to be significant for me to upgrade, because as I understand it, the gains are very small.

Yes, Micron is good. I buy a lot of Lexar USB's because they are made by Micron. The cheapo's and some of their upper end model's. I like the Lexar Twist as they fit side by side in my laptops, and when working that is helpful.

Alligator is tasty, unless they get you first!

 

[feetand nches]

I went to the GSkill site to get some help, but I did not get an email Notification that they indeed gave me some advice. I somehow am not getting Notifications from them, so went ahead and got another 4GB RAM Chip exactly the same as what I have now. Good enough until I win the Lottery, then will get more...better RAM! I like performance but I don't really do all that much that I need it, just like the speed, I'm a gearhead to a fault!

 

[Megahertz07]

As you already have a Samsung M378B5173QH0-CK0 buy another exactly the same model

SAMSUNG Samsung DDR3-1600 4GB512Mx64 CL11 Memory / M378B5173QH0-CK0 / at Amazon.com

Are you sure your memory has CAS# Latency 6.0?

 

[feetand nches]

I guess I wasn't clear, I already bought another chip to match the one in it now. It's installed and all working well enough.

so went ahead and got another 4GB RAM Chip exactly the same as what I have now.

 

[Megahertz07]

To have different RAM sticks may lead to problems.
If you begin to have BSOD, replace with another exactly the same model.
You didn't mentioned what OS you have (32 or 64bits) but just to be clear, 32 bits doesn't recognize more than 3.2G, even if you have more installed.