Rummy Posted July 3, 2012 Posted July 3, 2012 Hola, this is more a pre-emptive curiosity, but I'm thinking of adding some RAM to my computer down the line. I know rather little about RAM, and matching, single/dual channel and all the different numbers etc. so just looking for advice/info really. At the moment my computer has 3GB in it as factory standard(Acer M3400). From what I understand from that, and Speccy, I have four available slots, each being able to take up to 2GB each, right? 2 are currently used, leaving 2 free. If I was looking to put more RAM in...what would I be looking at as the best way? I know very little, won't need 8, in fact probably wouldn't need to break 4, but if I'm going for it wondering about going to 6 just for giggles while I'm there. I know 32-bit can only utilise like 3gig, but it's ok cos I'll be in Win 7 64-bit. Would I be best replacing the two current sticks with 2x2GB matched, or can I just add to them with another 1GB/2GB? I don't know much about what's currently in there, having never been inside the computer. Below however is what Speccy currently has to say about my RAM(I've collapsed the JEDEC bits, what are they/are they of use to you guys?) RAM Memory slots Total memory slots 4 Used memory slots 2 Free memory slots 2 Memory Type DDR3 Size 3072 MBytes Channels # Single DRAM Frequency 532.0 MHz CAS# Latency (CL) 7 clocks RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 7 clocks RAS# Precharge (tRP) 7 clocks Cycle Time (tRAS) 20 clocks Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 27 clocks Command Rate (CR) 1T Physical Memory Memory Usage 69 % Total Physical 2.74 GB Available Physical 888 MB Total Virtual 7.99 TB Available Virtual 7.99 TB SPD Number Of SPD Modules 2 Slot #1 Type DDR3 Size 1024 MBytes Manufacturer Max Bandwidth PC3-10700 (667 MHz) Part Number GU502203EP0201 Week/year 22 / 10 SPD Ext. EPP JEDEC #4 JEDEC #3 JEDEC #2 JEDEC #1 Slot #2 Type DDR3 Size 2048 MBytes Manufacturer Max Bandwidth PC3-10700 (667 MHz) Part Number GU512303EP0202 Week/year 22 / 10 SPD Ext. EPP JEDEC #4 JEDEC #3 JEDEC #2 JEDEC #1 In addition, if anyone could briefly explain the key points on this page to me, I'd appreciate.
Nolan Posted July 5, 2012 Posted July 5, 2012 To my knowledge it's better to have matched pairings (which is how dual channel works). And it's easier to manage with less risk of issues if the brand and everything are the same. Manufacturer installed RAM is often just quality enough to get by as well. And the important (to me at least) listing are that you have DDR3, and the RAM is rated at 667. Somewhere though, you should be able to find the highest supported speed.
Sheikah Posted July 5, 2012 Posted July 5, 2012 It's useful visiting Crucial UK to download the system scanner to see exactly what the max your system can support. Also DDR3 RAM is so cheap these days, it's most cost effective to just go with 2 x 4GB matched sticks (Corsair Vengeance is good) as you can fetch it for just £40. And if your system can support it, go with the 667.
Rummy Posted July 5, 2012 Author Posted July 5, 2012 Thanks guys, £40 is...slightly beyond my budget, I'm literally thinking a quick dirty fix going up to 4GB/6GB for £15-20 if not even less, there's absolutely no need for me to have 8GB, or even 6GB, I just notice some slowdown at present(always got lots open and hibernate when I can), just to speed those bits up maybe. I know I get some hard/page faults(which I've only just learnt about) very very occasionally, so I was thinking I'm only just hitting my limit and the extra gig might be ok.
Mokong Posted July 26, 2012 Posted July 26, 2012 Go here http://www.crucial.com/uk/systemscanner/ Download and run that scanner. It will tell you exactly what you have in your mobo right now, how many slots total you have and how many available It will tell the max amount of RAM the mobo will support and which types and speeds of RAM are compatible with the mobo EDIT: Didn't read all the posts before posting, just spotted Shiekah mention the same thing
Rummy Posted July 26, 2012 Author Posted July 26, 2012 (edited) Thanks. Really I was just wondering more about the effects of mixing RAMs of different sizes/brands? Edited July 26, 2012 by Rummy
Rummy Posted August 27, 2012 Author Posted August 27, 2012 Memory:DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-8500, DDR3 PC3-12800 Memory Type: DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-8500, DDR3 PC3-12800, DDR3 (non-ECC) Maximum Memory: 8GB Currently Installed Memory: 3GB Total Memory Slots: 4 Available Memory Slots: 2 1GB 2GB EMPTY EMPTY Each memory slot can hold DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-8500, DDR3 PC3-12800 with a maximum of 2GB per slot.* *Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory. Bumping this to double-check(the scanner's results are above), I can get 2x2GB PC3-12800 for like a couple quid more than PC3-10600 - am I better off with the 12800? Will I see much benefit if I add the 2 new sticks in to the old 3GB to give me 7GB total, or will it all be limited to the lowest speed RAM? I don't really understand it all...
MoogleViper Posted August 30, 2012 Posted August 30, 2012 I'm pretty sure it underclocks it to the lowest RAM speed.
Rummy Posted August 30, 2012 Author Posted August 30, 2012 So no point getting the 12800(800Mhz?) over the 10600(667Mhz?)? I never understand when people refer to ram just by its Mhz, because from what I see it has different ratings of frequency and I never know which is which; as I said I'm pretty noobish all round. From guesswork and basically just looking at wiki, I assume it's the I/O bus clock? @Nolan, you mentioned my highest supported speed, any insight? I never thought I'd get old and not understand technology, but it seems I have
Nolan Posted August 30, 2012 Posted August 30, 2012 Your highest supported speed is 1333(10600), which displays as 667, which is currently what you have installed. You could easily add in 1600 (12800), but yes it would automatically downclock to run at 1333(10600) I think the reason people say 1333 instead of 10600 or 10660, is that people look at the speed first and then the specifications. As inside either 10600 or 10660 there are variations with each model of RAM. I honestly don't know where the other number comes from :/
Rummy Posted August 31, 2012 Author Posted August 31, 2012 Your highest supported speed is 1333(10600), which displays as 667, which is currently what you have installed. You could easily add in 1600 (12800), but yes it would automatically downclock to run at 1333(10600) I think the reason people say 1333 instead of 10600 or 10660, is that people look at the speed first and then the specifications. As inside either 10600 or 10660 there are variations with each model of RAM. I honestly don't know where the other number comes from :/ Ahhh, I sort of see! Thanks So if I got 1333 and put it in in addition to my 667 that's in there atm, would it all downclock to 667? I'll probably grab some in about a month on next payday.
Nolan Posted August 31, 2012 Posted August 31, 2012 Ahhh, I sort of see! Thanks So if I got 1333 and put it in in addition to my 667 that's in there atm, would it all downclock to 667? I'll probably grab some in about a month on next payday. Your highest supported speed is 1333(10600), which displays as 667, which is currently what you have installed. You could easily add in 1600 (12800), but yes it would automatically downclock to run at 1333(10600) I think the reason people say 1333 instead of 10600 or 10660, is that people look at the speed first and then the specifications. As inside either 10600 or 10660 there are variations with each model of RAM. I honestly don't know where the other number comes from :/ I'm not positive why, but PCs read the RAM speed as half of actual. I think it's the fact that running Single Channel it would be 667 but Dual Channel it actually is 1333. I really don't know though.
Rummy Posted September 1, 2012 Author Posted September 1, 2012 Oh, I misread your post. I thought the crucial scanner said it supported 12800, though if it downclocks anyway I'll get that just in case I can use it elsewhere in future. Thank you very much for your help!
Recommended Posts