- Apr 27, 2010
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I'd like to upgrade my RAM to at least 6GB (but sounds like I might as well just go up to 8). I have my (first) homebuilt machine with a mobo from 3 years ago, and I'd like to be sure my RAM is compatible with the board and with my current RAM (unless I get all new RAM).
My Machine
- 2x2 Patriot G-Series Sector 5 DDR3 PC3-10666 1333MHz (PGV34G1333ELK) 9-9-9-24 | 1.65V
- Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 (rev. 1) (4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets up to 16 GB, dual-channel, DDR3 2200/1600/1333/1066/800 MHz, supports non-ECC/XMP
- Intel i7-860
- Windows 8
I also have a pair of 1GB sticks of unknown quality from a friend that I could use:
- Aeneon 1GB PC3-8500 DDR3-1066MHz DIMM Memory Module Mfr P/N (AEH760UD00-10FA98X) 7-7-7-24 | 1.5V
So the options as I see it are here, in order of preference. Stability/performance is really the number one goal, although I don't overclock or do anything exciting, so I'm not concerned about performance differences under, say, 10%.
Option 1 - Mix Aeneon and Patriot
Since I already have the two 1GB sticks, that's probably my preference, since it's free. But will I have compatibility issues with either the 2x2 RAM or the mobo, or do these sticks suck (it is hard to find an official link for them)? Does it hurt to try this? Do the timing/speed differences matter? Will I be able to use XMP settings so I don't have to be smart?
Option 2 - Add 2-4GB to the Patriot RAM
Unfortunately the Patriot RAM is out of stock, and the Gigabyte Memory Compatibility List has not been updated since before I bought the board (2009). It also has no 2x4GB kits tested. (Note that the Patriot memory I have currently isn't listed on the compatibility list, but I was told by Patriot that it was "the correct memory.") But is there a 2 or 4GB kit out there I could safely add?
Option 3 - Get 6-8 new GB
Most expensive option, but might be the least complicated, although what brand/model should I go with?
Any advice?
Note that I am unclear on whether speeds will make any difference (sounds like not), so the prices that I have seen are about $40-50 for a 2x2 kit or $70-80 for a 2x4 kit).
Thanks in advance!
My Machine
- 2x2 Patriot G-Series Sector 5 DDR3 PC3-10666 1333MHz (PGV34G1333ELK) 9-9-9-24 | 1.65V
- Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 (rev. 1) (4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets up to 16 GB, dual-channel, DDR3 2200/1600/1333/1066/800 MHz, supports non-ECC/XMP
- Intel i7-860
- Windows 8
I also have a pair of 1GB sticks of unknown quality from a friend that I could use:
- Aeneon 1GB PC3-8500 DDR3-1066MHz DIMM Memory Module Mfr P/N (AEH760UD00-10FA98X) 7-7-7-24 | 1.5V
So the options as I see it are here, in order of preference. Stability/performance is really the number one goal, although I don't overclock or do anything exciting, so I'm not concerned about performance differences under, say, 10%.
Option 1 - Mix Aeneon and Patriot
Since I already have the two 1GB sticks, that's probably my preference, since it's free. But will I have compatibility issues with either the 2x2 RAM or the mobo, or do these sticks suck (it is hard to find an official link for them)? Does it hurt to try this? Do the timing/speed differences matter? Will I be able to use XMP settings so I don't have to be smart?
Option 2 - Add 2-4GB to the Patriot RAM
Unfortunately the Patriot RAM is out of stock, and the Gigabyte Memory Compatibility List has not been updated since before I bought the board (2009). It also has no 2x4GB kits tested. (Note that the Patriot memory I have currently isn't listed on the compatibility list, but I was told by Patriot that it was "the correct memory.") But is there a 2 or 4GB kit out there I could safely add?
Option 3 - Get 6-8 new GB
Most expensive option, but might be the least complicated, although what brand/model should I go with?
Any advice?
Note that I am unclear on whether speeds will make any difference (sounds like not), so the prices that I have seen are about $40-50 for a 2x2 kit or $70-80 for a 2x4 kit).
Thanks in advance!
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