Increased Ram usage after upgrade.

[fatmilkman]

Hey guys, i recently upgraded my ram from "DDR3, 1600MHz 4gb (2x2g) 7-7-7-20, DOMINATOR GT" to "8.00 (2x4g) GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 668MHz (9-9-9-24).

I have noticed that what once only used 3-3.5g is now using 4-4.5g. Is this normal. Below are my computer speccs. (Also, i upgraded my GPU from a 5870 to a 7970).

Operating System
MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7 860 @ 2.80GHz
Lynnfield 45nm Technology
RAM
8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 668MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P7P55D PRO (LGA1156)
Graphics
SyncMaster (1920x1080@60Hz)
AMD Radeon HD 7900 Series

 

[psaus]

Yea, that's Win7 caching more "crap" so things run faster. I've experienced similar... albeit my experience wasn't a 1GB delta, but I can see it happening depending on what apps you have installed.

 

[psaus]

BTW, unless you're selling the 2x2GB, keep those installed too. Why have 8 when you can have 12?!

 

[fatmilkman]

I didn't think that would work psaus since the ram sets are different. Or am i mistaken?

 

[ahnilated]

You also get better overclocking ability with only using 2 sticks compared to 4.

 

[psaus]

Sorry fatmilkman (ha!), didn't comprehend it completely. I was too bothered with capacity.
Given you bought slightly slower RAM for the upgrade, I take it you're not overclocking, more over, since the newer stuff is slower, you should be able to get the 1600's to slow down to 1333. No guarantee. Won't hurt to try though.

If you are going to try, install the 4GBs in the primary slots (e.g., in the slots as if you were to only install 2 modules, per the manual's instructions) and then install the 2GB modules in the remaining slots. Try it. It'll either work or it won't. If it works, bonus.

 

[fatmilkman]

Sorry fatmilkman (ha!), didn't comprehend it completely. I was too bothered with capacity.
Given you bought slightly slower RAM for the upgrade, I take it you're not overclocking, more over, since the newer stuff is slower, you should be able to get the 1600's to slow down to 1333. No guarantee. Won't hurt to try though.

If you are going to try, install the 4GBs in the primary slots (e.g., in the slots as if you were to only install 2 modules, per the manual's instructions) and then install the 2GB modules in the remaining slots. Try it. It'll either work or it won't. If it works, bonus.

Ok ok ok. Now, forgive me if i sound like a utter failure here, but i was sure the new ram i got is faster then my current ram. My old ram was 1600mhz, my new ram is around 1800mhz. (600x3).

 

[psaus]

668Mhz DDR = 668MHz x 2 = 1333MHz
DDR = Dual Data Rate.

1600Mhz backing out the math; 1600Mhz / 2 = 800MHz

Hopefully you bought from a friendly reseller and can return it for what you meant to buy... If not, don't fret, the real world difference between 1600/1333 is minimal. Same for 1866/1600/1300...

 

[EzioAs]

There are known issues when mixing ram. If you ask me, I'd say stick with the 8GB(2x4GB) configuration

 

[fatmilkman]

Heres the ram i bought http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_218_1125&products_id=17731.

I really hope i wasn't ripped off, could have sworn it was faster.

 

[fatmilkman]

Never mind! I see whats happening. Time for a MB upgrade!

 

[Kamen_BG]

Its faster but its latency is also a lot higher.Which in turn makes it slower.

 

[psaus]

Heres the ram i bought http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_218_1125&products_id=17731.

I really hope i wasn't ripped off, could have sworn it was faster.

No, I don't think you were ripped off. I should have asked for the part number to begin with. 1866 is what you have. If it's running at 1333, you either need to manually increase the MHz to 1866, or as per your later post, your motherboard won't support it (but I think it will support 1866 based on their site), then you should be able to get it to run at least 1600.

If you do run at 1600, you should be able to get the 2 kits to work together. No guarantee they will, but if they are going to work you're going to know immediately (it's not something that will sneak up on you weeks/months down the road).