Need advice on upgrading RAM

[FrankB]

Hey guys,

I am planning to upgrade my RAM. Currently I am running an 8 GB set from back in 2009.

8GB start to be not enough, so I want to double this to 16 GB. I think this will be sufficient.

But which brand and model do I go for? My motherboard says it supports the following:

Code Select Expand

Quad Channel Mode DDR3 memory module
Supports DDR3 2400(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/
1333 /1066/800

Any advice?

Thanks
Frank

[Tangled-Universe]

RAM speed barely makes a difference, so I would go for something in the middle like 1333 or 1600.
Faster than 1600 is only more expensive and not worth the extra money, but don't say this to a hardcore gamer or nerd

I have had worse experience with Kingston (value)RAM and do have Corsair Vengeance now which is very stable.
With my previous machine I had countless of weird hangs and freezes, completely gone with this machine while it contains the same drives.

If I were you I'd go for 2 x 8GB. I have 4x4 and I really regret it, because I want to upgrade to 24 or 32GB, which means I need to throw out some modules which I'm barely able to sell so that's a waste. (I suppose you motherboard also only has 4 slots for RAM?)

Anyway...Corsair Vengeance are about 110 euros for 16GB.

[FrankB]

yes it has 4 slots. Thanks.

Anyone else have other recommentations or can confirm Martin's experiences?

[rcallicotte]

Corsair has almost always had a good solid reputation.

[TheBadger]

Frank,
Are you sure that you currently do all you want with your workstation, in terms of software and the kinds of things you do with software?
Or do you expect that, if you do have future plans for new work with new software, that you will have a new PC before you try that anyway?
I only ask because that would seem to be the big part of the choice.

Besides that, memory is cheep now. What is the difference in price between the amount and speed you are leaning towards, and the next level up? something between 50-150$?

If you know you will keep and use the PC your upgrading the memory in, and if you have even a little desire to work with more software than you do now, than spend the extra amount. I have been down this road my self and while I don't usually need my 32GB of memory, I can tell you that I have not regretted spending the extra cash for even a moment. And when I do need it, holy cow am I glad I have it!

[zaxxon]

I used to build my own machines, but like home car repair recent experiences have changed my approach. After struggling to put together a new system a year ago, I took the box load of parts to Fry's Electronics (a computer super store chain in California). Bottom line they went thru 3 defective Asus Rampage MB's, before advising me to switch to an MSI MB (both $400 top end MB's), then went thru several sets of RAM to find a solid combo. The advantage was that they actually could go pull as many components off the the shelf and test them in MY machine to ensure a working setup. Rather then comparing 'reputations' of brands a qualified tech in a well stocked store delivered a solid working installation, where what would have been the 'luck of the draw' thru an internet or over the counter purchase. 18 months later RAM and MB are working smoothly (also a recent addition of a liquid cooler to help with T2's demands). It's now time to upgrade again: Intel 3630 hex core and 32 gigs. World Machine works fine with 16 gigs, but bigger builds exceed the 16 GB limit (unless you have the time to disk page continually), 64 gigs may be overkill, but 32 seems like the 'next' target. Curious though how much T2 benefits from additional RAM, as well as RAM on the video card?

[FrankB]

Hey guys, thanks!

Have just upgraded to a 6 core Intel I7, uhmmm, not too long ago, and I expect to live with the machine for another 2 years. It's also not likely that I am going to use a lot of other software with it, other than new games perhaps.

I think Martin's advice sounds reasonable to buy 2x8GB, so that I would be able to upgrade, should I ever have the need.

There is no reputable computer store near me, and at the current RAM prices, I am willing to take a shot at just ordering the RAM. However, I will at least make the attempt to avoid any obvious mistakes, like buying from a bad rep brand. Hence the ask.

One other thing I am interested to learn about is some advice on the tech specs. Does it really not matter (as in making an obvious difference), like TU says, what the clock speed of the RAM is? Are there any other specs that one should look at?

Thanks
Frank

[Oshyan]

Clock speed makes little difference unless you are overclocking. 2x8GB is sensible. Corsair, Crucial, and a few others are good brands. You can generally trust reviews for RAM on e.g. Newegg, Amazon, etc. So look in your price range for RAM and sort by review score and you'll find the best price/performance brands.

- Oshyan

[jaf]

..... and if you do plan on going above 16gb, check the specs on your motherboard.  It probably will support more than 16gb, but I have a cheap MB with four slots, but it only supports up to 16gb (4x4gb.)

[Henry Blewer]

I use Corsair Vengeance 16 GB myself. I have used these for a bit over a year without issue. Mine are 1600 clock speed, but slightly overclocked. I have not had heat issues.

[FrankB]

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

Frank