Question about RAM.

[dagobert]

So before I start my question, this is the RAM I have in my computer right now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231304&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=4003003&SID=17ctkc4b45tz5

And this is my motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423



I have 6GB of RAM in my computer right now (6 slots in total, 3 slots filled with 2GB sticks) and I wanted to upgrade to 12. I've read that if you're upgrading it's best to have the same specs. Now I've read different things regarding the slots, I've read some sites that that it's good to fill all 6 slots, and some say that it's better to fill as few as possible. Now I'm not sure which one is true. Now I can't spend a whole lot on this upgrade so probably up to 50$ - 60$ would work great for me. Now I wasn't seeing any good deals on 3 x 2GB sticks or ones that match my current RAM specs. So I was thinking of just getting 4GB of RAM (same specs) and filling another 2 slots or so and leaving 1 empty. Now would something like that be good or bad? Does it make much of a difference? Is it just better to fill all the slots or just get 3 4GB sticks so I would have 12GB of RAM in total? What route would be better for me considering my budget? Either way, which RAM should I get? Like brand etc. from either Newegg or Amazon since they seem to be cheaper than some other places I've checked.

 

[Rockdpm]

Ditch the triple channel kits. Save some money and get you a 16gb kit or a 8gb kit

The 4x4gb kit is better. Or you can buy two of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

 

[RetiredChief]

Not sure how your MB treats memory channelNrs when not filled.
IE If you only put two modules in, would they run in dual channel, or would it drop all the way back to single channel. If runs dual then very little performance hit compared to triple channel mode. I would stay away from dropping to single channel mode.

There is very little performance increase between 1333 and higher. 1600 seems to be the sweet spot.

Me I'd probably go 3 x 4 as there is also very little difference going from 8 gigs -> 16 gigs.

Might try these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231464

 

[dagobert]

Thanks for the replies, however I might be a little confused here. So lets say I go with what you suggested RetiredChief, does that mean I should get rid of what I have in my system and replace it with those or just add this as well? Also how do I check how my motherboard treat memory channel's when not filled?

Also Rockdpm, are you suggesting the same thing that I get rid of my current RAM? If so, lets say I buy two of what you suggested, leaving me with 2 empty slots, does that makes a difference at all?

 

[RetiredChief]

1) Download CPU-Z. Select memory tab and Look at memory channel, should be triple channel. Remove one stick and see if it drops back to dual channel.
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
2) If you have Windows 7 Premium, it will only use upto 16 gigs. 12+6=18, so I would only use the 3 x 4. If you have a higher version of windows, give it a try.
3) Always verify ram is error free. I use prime 95, Caution monitor temperatures for first 15 minutes as it run the CPU full blast.
http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft/

 

[dagobert]

1) Download CPU-Z. Select memory tab and Look at memory channel, should be triple channel. Remove one stick and see if it drops back to dual channel.
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
2) If you have Windows 7 Premium, it will only use upto 16 gigs. 12+6=18, so I would only use the 3 x 4. If you have a higher version of windows, give it a try.
3) Always verify ram is error free. I use prime 95, Caution monitor temperatures for first 15 minutes as it run the CPU full blast.
http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft/

Alright I'll be trying this today and I have Windows 7 Ultimate. Thanks for the help.

Edit: Yup it dropped it to dual channel. So again, I should use the ram you suggested along with my current ram? Will it matter since the specs are a bit different like the voltage and the cas? Also back to my original question, not having all the slots filled won't have that much of a decrease in performance now that I know it dropped it to dual channel and not single?

 

[RetiredChief]

I'd probably just go with the 3 x 4 as the additional 6 gigs will not buy you any increase in performance and it saves the headache of mismatched ram.

 

[dagobert]

Best answer selected by dagobert.

 

[dagobert]

I'd probably just go with the 3 x 4 as the additional 6 gigs will not buy you any increase in performance and it saves the headache of mismatched ram.

Thanks for the help and advice. I'm going to order them right now from Newegg.