8gb Now or Later?

[AngloAves]

Hey guys, I saw this set of 8gb RAM on Newegg for $105. I'm wondering if I'd be better of purchasing this set over the previous one I was looking at which is 4gb. I plan on upgrading to 8gb eventually but would it be better to just get it now? The motherboard I'll be using is the Gigabyte GA-880GA-UD3H.

 

[jaquith]

If you have a Phenom II CPU then the CMX8GX3M2A1333C9 is fine; Dual Channel is more efficient with 2 sticks vs 4 sticks and you can in the future go all out for 16GB if you're Rendering. Corsair Phenom II -> http://www.corsair.com/products/phenomii/default.aspx

Otherwise Corsair Tested -> http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1529928

 

[silky salamandr]

Ram is so dirt cheap right now why not? Ive been waiting all year to step up to 8gigs and finally I did. Even tho you might not need it, its still worth it.

 

[scotu]

If you're absolutely sure you need 8GB, then I don't see why you wouldn't get it now. However, unless you do a TON of really heavy memory stuff at the same time, it's pretty hard to actually need more than 4GB. You'd need to do something like edit large images while writing data analysis software in an IDE and running it in a VM. Alternatively really heavy Video editing can also call for more than 4GB. For something like Gaming, it's pretty pointless to have more than 4GB. So, you know if you need it, and if you do, I don't see why you'd need it later instead of right now. If it turns out later that you do start doing a ton of stuff that needs a bunch of memory, then just add another 4GB then instead of wasting money now.

 

[1haplo]

Go for it, If you can swing it. Its good to have if you have a lot of windows open and multi-task.

 

[AngloAves]

Thanks for the help guys, some really useful advice. Yeah jaquith I will be getting a Phenom II, it's just a matter of which one hehe. Still researching which one will fit my needs best.

Edit: My friend just suggested a couple different options for me which are even less expensive than the Corsair model though only by about $5. So the options are:

-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145315

-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231417

-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231180

What do you guys think?

 

[jaquith]

Whatever RAM you choose beyond what I linked, just make sure that it is 'compatible' and in order to do that you need to do one of the following:
1. Certified {QVL} RAM per GA {assuming rev 2} - http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3628#memory%20support%20list
2. Tested RAM per Mfg {Configuration} - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1529928
3. Approved per RAM Mfg -> Contact RAM Mfg via email.

Since your MOBO is not listed with G.SKILL then you'll need to contact G.SKILL; I never purchase RAM unless 'I' do one of the 3 options listed above. In particular, I've found AMD to be very finicky and often the RAM doesn't work properly when people randomly choose 'price' over 'computability.'

 

[richarduk]

What os you got? I have 8gig on 64bit ubuntu system as I run a few virtual PC's for windows development.

If you have a 32bit OS and only play games, wait till you upgrade the whole system.

If you have a 64bit OS and do a lot of rendering or run virtual PC's then do it.