Upgrading from 6GB to 16GB

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SuperJ9587

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I would like to upgrade my PC from 6GB of Corsair XMS3 (3x2GB, DDR3 1600) to 16GB of DDR3-1600. I read around and it looks like going to 1866 is not really worth it from 1600.

I want to know what RAM I should pick up, if i should stick with Corsair or if I can change, and if the RAM will be compatible with my ASUS Sabertooth x58. I have a i7-960 Bloomfield, and in the old list of Qualified Vendors it says the max GB I can go to is 6. I was hoping with maybe a BIOS update or something that I could go higher, or should I just expect it to work and they just didn't pen it in because that much RAM back in 2010 was alot?

Summary
Operating System
MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7 960 @ 3.20GHz 44 °C
Bloomfield 45nm Technology
RAM
6.0GB Triple-Channel DDR3 @ 534MHz (8-8-8-20)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. SABERTOOTH X58 (LGA1366) 30 °C
Graphics
Acer HR274H (1920x1080@60Hz)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670
Hard Drives
1000GB Samsung SSD 850 PRO 1TB ATA Device (SATA-SSD)
2930GB Seagate ST3000DM001-1CH166 ATA Device (SATA) 27 °C
Optical Drives
DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device
Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio


Thanks
 
Solution
kanewolf
Me personally, I would go with 12GB. It will be a lot cheaper. For the difference in cost, you could buy another 120GB SSD to use as SWAP space and extra fast storage. just my 2 cents.
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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That motherboard can do 24GB RAM -- https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/SABERTOOTH_X58/specifications/ but it may be limited to 4GB / slot. There are probably still 12GB matched sets available. There might be some 6 DIMM 24GB matched sets. Windows 7 home is limited to 16GB.

Newegg has several 12GB triple channel kits, but only one in-stock 24GB triple channel kit.
 
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SuperJ9587

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I went on Corsairs site and saw this set: http://www.corsair.com/en-us/vengeance-24gb-triple-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz24gx3m6a1600c9 is compatible with my current board. I mean I would love 24 GB, but I dont use my computer that heavily. I was thinking that 16 could last me alot longer than 12. How long do you think 12 would last me vs 24 if im going to upgrade my mobo in a year or two? I mean obviously longer but just how much longer? I plan on staying on W7 as long as possible on my main PC, and unless everything starts using DX12, I wont upgrade to 10.
 
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SuperJ9587

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I do want to do more video editing and music production, as both of those are memory heavy. I upgraded to an SSD to decrease/eliminate that bottleneck. Do you think I should just go for the long haul and spring for the 24GB?
 
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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Are you running Windows 7 PRO or ULTIMATE? Home premium is limited to 16GB. If your OS will support it then go for it. If you find you aren't using your memory fully, you can investigate using a RAM disk to temporary files.
 
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SuperJ9587

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Ultimate, I posted it in my system specs in the Spoiler in my first post. I guess I'll be more direct. It doesn't seem that there are 16 GB kits for my mobo, so I'm limited to 12 or 24, AFAIK. Corsair is the safe brand as these sticks have lasted me 5 years with literally 0 problems. Now unless im doing CAD or multiple video renders on the same computer, or some crazy stuff like that, Ill never get close to filling 24 GB. Thats why I preferred 16GB as it seemed the sweet spot. When will OSes (god forbid) start to need half of that just to run? If thats even going to happen? When will it be essential? I feel like 12 might do it but like you said for only 2 years. Is 24 worth it for the longevity, amount of RAM to fool with; as I've read DDR4 isnt that much of a performance boost, or will 12 suffice for Fruity Loops/Ableton Song editing, Premier Pro Video editing, Twitch streaming etc without game slowdowns/memory issues? (Not all at once lol)

Sorry for the multiple questions but I just am trying to convince myself and it seems hard to.
 
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SuperJ9587

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Thanks for your info and suggestions. I went ahead and got the Corsair Vengeance 12GB (3x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9)

Cheers!

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