Advice on Upgrading Memory

[TimCL]

Hi

I have an AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor running on this motherboard

ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131631

and this 4 GB of this memory

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

I am on Win 7 32 bit.

I want to upgrade to windows 7 64 bit and want to use at least 8 GB of memory.

Should I buy 2 more sticks of the same memory

or

buy new memory altogether.

I need some expert advice as which is the better option. Also naive in memory knowledge, so would really appreciate a Newegg link for purchase

Regards,

 

[InvalidError]

Since there is a possibility of running into problems with quad-DIMM configurations even under the best conditions, I would go with 2x4GB or 2x8GB.

If you are lucky, you end up with 12-20GB RAM. If you aren't lucky, at least you still have a net upgrade to 8-16GB.

8GB is enough for the vast majority of people. 16GB and up is mostly useful to multitasking nutcases like me or people who use programs that eat tons of RAM.

 

[TimCL]

Thanks InvalidError!

How does this sound?

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

So if it works out (since timing and Cas latency same as well same manufacturer), I may end up having 12 GB memory or at least 8 GB.

Regards,

 

[InvalidError]

When using a single pair of DIMMs, almost any brand/model will work in just about any motherboard.

Where things get particularly dicey is when using quad double-sided DIMMs. Most motherboard manufacturers have very few if any 4x4GB kits in their QVL and even fewer 4x8GB kits.

 

[TimCL]

So I can go with any manufacturer as long as the memory is DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) with same timing and latency?

 

[InvalidError]

In theory, yes. In practice, results may vary even if you get same-model DIMMs.

That's why I am recommending aiming for 2x4GB (or 2x8GB) and consider the ability of using your previous RAM as a bonus if it works rather than plan your purchase on the assumption that you will be able to use all four DIMMs.

 

[TimCL]

Thanks InvalidError

I have 12 GB memory now! I used two more sticks of same memory.

 

[TimCL]

Best answer selected by TimCL.