Is this upgrade compatible? (SSD & Memory)

[Overcklockalypse]

Hi all,

I've recently built a gaming rig and with it being the holliday season I've been given a 200 dollar limit to add to it.

Initial Build:

MOBO:
MSI 770-G45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130250

CPU:
AMD Athlon II x4 620 Propus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103705&Tpk=amd%20athlon%20ii%20x4%20620

GFX:
XFX Radeon HD 5770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150462&cm_re=radeon_hd_5770-_-14-150-462-_-Product

PSU:
Corsair 500w Modular (Can't remember exact model)

RAM:
(Can't find exact page on newegg but this is what it reads on the RAM)
Corsair XMS 4GB (2x2GB) 1333 9-9-9-24 1.50v

My upgrades were SSD obviously and with the small amount left over I think I could snag another 4gb of ram.

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233132
SSD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227542

My Questions are:
Are Sata II and Sata 3gb/s are the same? I checked around and it appears they are, but it'd be nice to have complete confirmation. SSD is SATA II and Mobo is Sata 3gb/s.

Is this RAM going to be useful? It is my understanding that memory is not necessarily about size, but more about timing. Will this benefit me without a stick in the 4th slot? I have dual channel memory and use 2 sticks in slots 1 and 2. Also is this a match on frequency and latency? I believe my other two sticks are also from this XMS series. They look very similar if not identical. My thinking behind this is that I can get another 4gb stick and eventually have 12gb of ram.

Is this the upgrade path you would take? Why or why not and if not what would you do?

 

[Overcklockalypse]

I think I found my current RAM. It is similarly priced. Would it be more beneficial to get the same exact package or mix and match to get more capacity while keeping the same timings and frequency?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145251

 

[saint19]

Hi.

That kit isn't good. Go with any of the kits in the link.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=600006066&IsNodeId=1&Description=ripjaws%201600&name=4GB%20(2%20x%202GB)

The red Ripjaws are more cheap, with same CL but better speed.

Regarding the SSD, I'd go with the Vertex 2 and not the Agility.

 

[Overcklockalypse]

Could you please explain why?

Is it better to use 2x 2GB than 1x 4GB?

Am I just looking to match the CAS latency, Voltage, and Timing?

Also seems as if the kit you've pointed out runs at a frequency of 1600. Will this have an adverse effect while also using another kit with a frequency of 1066?

Does mis-matching brand/model have any adverse effects?


My understanding is that a computer operates similar to an old watch. The timing of everything is most important for powerful efficient performance. If one part is faster/slower it causes a bottleneck/hiccup. Is this correct?

And if that is true, how noticable will this be? (I'd definately go the cheaper route if the difference is really just theoretical and not noticable in real-world usage.)

 

[Overcklockalypse]

If it takes too long to explain could you just link me to somewhere that explains the answers to my questions?

 

[saint19]

1- With 2x2GB you get dual channel, while with 1x4GB you only get single channel, so, less performance.

2- AMD loves low CL, so, if you can go with come CL6, CL7 or CL8 is a good choice.

3- A big difference, check this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR3_SDRAM

4- Mix brands and model isn't good, that can cause stability problems and BSoD.

5- Yes and no, the rigs are like Switzerland clocks, a perfect match do the perfect rig. If one part doesn't work at 100%, the others will not perform at 100%.

6- i.e. if you have a six-core with onboard video that's a sure bottleneck.

 

[jaquith]

^Your MOBO uses Dual/Quad Channel DDR3 with AMD 770+SB710 chipset. The 'Channels' are very (very) finicky and you do not want to 'mix' unmatched DDR3 per Channel, and when adding a second (Quad Channel) set even then you only want the same EXACT: Speed, CAS timings, Voltage & Type (incl chips/side). Sets are sorted together in BINS (tested speed/timings/etc) even off the same production line. The 'Sets' are not by accident and slight variations can render the stick or channel unusable.

If your plan is to eventually ADD RAM then I would refer to the Manual, and install in Pairs. So if now 4GB is the Goal -> 2x2GB Matched Set: Certified, Tested, or Approved for your MOBO. Unfortunately, the ONLY list available is the Certified {QVL} linked below. **So if it were 'me' I would confirm via a Ticket to the RAM Mfg prior to purchase if the QVL has nothing that you like or is available.

Corsair Recommended** RAM - http://www.corsair.com/products/phenomii/default.aspx

Certified MSI 770-G45 - http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=prodtestreport&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=&cat3_no=&prod_no=1937
RAM QVL - http://www.msi.com/uploads/test_report/TR10_1937.pdf

SSD:
$215 (+100) OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE120G 2.5" 120GB SATA2 (SSD) R 285MB/s & W 275MB/s http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227551
$180 (+65) Kingston SSDNow V Series SNV425-S2BD/128GB 2.5" SATA2 (SSD) R 200MB/s & W 160MB/s

(I get budgets) A 60 GB is more of an aggravation than an asset; you really want a large enough SSD to hold both your OS + Apps. Splitting your Apps across HDD defeats the SSD 'advantage' ; so your PC boots in 20 seconds - but if your Apps are 'slow' then what's the up-side especially the 'management' of playing custom install -- ALL of the time I see people needing to replace their small SSD for the stated reasons.

 

[jaquith]

5- Yes and no, the rigs are like Switzerland clocks, a perfect match do the perfect rig. If one part doesn't work at 100%, the others will not perform at 100%.

^+1 Great analogy. It's tough to explain - people don't want to believe us until they find out the hard-way.

As I said, the sets are BIN sorted off the SAME production line.

CAS 6 = 6/1,000,000,000 second {Billionths of a second}.