533 mhz or 1333mhz

Just checking, your PC -> http://www.crucial.com/uk/upgrade/compatible-memory-for...

You have {DDR3PC3-8500 533mhz(DDR31066)} 1066 MHz RAM, and if you put 'faster' RAM it won't accomplish a thing. DDR = Double Data Rate 533X2 =1066 MHz.

Example:
1600 MHz 9-9-9-24 @ 1.65V -> 1066 MHz 8-8-8-24
1066 MHz 6-6-6-26 @ 1.50V
=================
1066 MHz 8-8-8-26 @ 1.58V~ "IF" it will even run at all.

Further, Packard Bell screwed you IF you have 4X1GB - You'll need to pray you can move (3) of the 4 into Channel 0 getting another (3) Matched-Set and/or pray you can find let alone add (2) DDR3PC3-8500 533mhz(DDR31066).

I would strongly recommend that you use CPUz and carefully look at what RAM is installed where and with what Part-Number(s). http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

I assume the following with (4) modules:

Jaquith, Thanks for the reply, the parts i understood anyway..lol

It's not 4 x 1Gb, it's:

Slot 1 DDR3 (PC3-8500F) 1024 MBytes Samsung
Slot 2 DDR3 (PC3-8500F) 2048 MBytes Samsung
Slot 3 DDR3 (PC3-8500F) 1024 MBytes Samsung

I didn't really understand your example mate. Are you sayin i have to get the same ram at the same mhz? If so, you seem unsure as to wether i'd be able to find it, i did struggle on a google search for it recently...is it obsolete or just hard to source?

why do i have to instal pairs? "But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance", mine dosen't support dual-channel.
Would it be an idea for me to get rid of all the ram in there at present and start again with the DDR3 1333mhz? if it's goin to be a nause to upgrade!

Mate apologies in advance if i'm bein dense.

Regards

Steve

If you have an X58 MOBO there are 2 sets of 3; each set is a Channel, and there is ONE (1) speed {Memory Multiplier} that can be set in the BIOS. If you run 1066 @ 1333 MHz with 1333 MHz RAM in other slots -> then you are running the 1066 extremely over-clocked and 'typical' RAM will FAIL. In your manual, I have no doubt that it states: Same Speed, CAS and Voltage. In addition, 'some' RAM doesn't play well with others {generally it's an IC incompatibility or chips/side}.

^That's the simplified explanation.

Therefore, I would recommend installing only (PC3-8500F) Samsung RAM. Or as close as possible approximation.

Example: WORST OF EACH to work together...
1600 MHz 9-9-9-24 @ 1.65V -> 1066 MHz 8-8-8-24 {faster RAM can be under-clocked, then CAS drops too}
1066 MHz 6-6-6-26 @ 1.50V
=================
1066 MHz 8-8-8-26 @ 1.58V~ "IF" it will even run at all.

Thanks mate, i get you now. I think i may struggle to find the samsung PC3-8500, so i might remove it all and start again with the 1333mhz DD3. If i do this, will i have to change settings in the BIOS? Will there be much difference in speed between 533x5(DD3) and the 1333mhz DD3? I want to boost the processing power for encoding, decoding etc and i saw a good deal for the RAM: 2GB DDR3 1333Mhz for £17.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, you'll need to set at minimum the Speed of 1333 MHz; the default is 1066 MHz. Also, while you're in the BIOS set ALL of the CAS settings {9-9-9-24-2T} sometimes the 5th set isn't readily available and {Auto} will do, and set the DRAM Voltage 'if' you want to OC the CPU.