Small ddr3 memory upgrade 16gb to 32gb question

[erick]

Hi there

I have been debating about doing a complete new pc build, but in the current environment (ie- gpu pricing & lackluster cpu increases) I have decided to hold off for a while.

In the meantime, I just wanted to try and boost my memory capacity a wee bit. I currently have 2x8 1866 ddr3 Corsair Dominator Platinum's running on my z97 board with my aging 4790k and a 1080ti. I am still very pleased with my current performance in DCS at 1440p but with 2.7 and a ton of mods & skins I do run into the odd slow down. I believe it's due to a lack of memory. For what its worth, I run pagefile on auto as I see no difference with a custom pagefile.

Anyway, my question is this. Should I search out a matching pair of my current memory (2x8 @1866) or should I upgrade the kit completely with all new higher speed ram? Since we are not talking about a ton of money, I am open to any compatible options for my "rickety old" z97 board! Basically what would give me the biggest boost or would I even see a boost in memory performance? Or should I just be happy with my trusty old system for the time being until I go for a full new rig? I'm all ears!

Thanks for your time.

[Svsmokey]

If you elect to buy matching memory , be sure and use the exact same part # . Personally , i would spend the money on an ssd , if you don't have one , and put your pagefile on it .

[erick]

Thanks for the advise. I agree, I would get matching memory if I was to add 2 sticks. Just wondering if increased speed like 2400 or something, would be a benefit. Currently 1866 with cl9.

As far as SSD's go, I have 4. DCS even has it's own 500gb dedicated fast ssd. Windows on its own 250gb and 2 other 1tb ssd's for games and storage. Cheers!

 

*Was just looking around at RAM and noticed that DDR3 is actually more expensive than DDR4!! LOL! Think maybe I'll stick with my current setup until I go full send!

Edited April 23, 2021 by erick

[Lange_666]

8 hours ago, erick said:

I believe it's due to a lack of memory.

 

You can check how much memory DCS uses directly while playing with something like MSI Afterburner.

I updated from 16 to 32GB (2100 to 2400) because on the Syria map the 16GB where filled up (on the other maps i had a bit more room left).

FPS did not increase, just a bit less loading stutter on the Syria map. On the other maps i didn't notice any difference.

(all prior to 2.7)

 

[xoxen]

I was in the exact same boat, have the same CPU and GPU. I had 16 GB until I noticed I´m out of memory in MP missions. Today on a Syria Server my memory is filled up to 30 GB. I found the same memory on ebay and paid a resonable price for it. At least worth to think about it. FPS wise there was no benefit, only stutter wise, like Lange_666 already mentioned.

[reece146]

Maybe do some more shopping around - pretty sure DDR3 is worth doing. I had a i3770k based machine and it was a noticeable improvement going to 32GB even if I couldn't overclock above 1600.

 

Also, SSD all the things! That can be transferred to a new machine if it comes to that.

 

FWIW, I used to run without a pagefile with 32GB and was pretty much completely stutter free on this old beastie.

[erick]

Thanks for the  replies.

I'm definitely going to keep looking on Ebay/amazon for some matching memory. I'm also going to keep watching the overall pc parts market with my fingers crossed. As soon as things start getting back to normal, I'll pull the trigger and build a whole new system. Unfortunately that's looking like 2022 at this rate. In the meantime, I'll just keep hunting for some matching 2x8 Dom Platinum's. Now I'm regretting getting such fancy ram when I first built my system! haha Thanks again!

[Lange_666]

When i went from 16 to 32GB i bought a new set of 32GB and sold the 16GB. They were gone before the 32GB arrived. I guess it will be a lot quicker then eyeballing Ebay/Amazon for a matching pair.

[erick]

Sorry I missed your reply. I agree. I will probably go for a whole new kit. Cheers

[Pocket Kings]

Things won't return to "normal", sorry to break the party. Remember Fukushima? -> No normal since then in some hardware areas, prices didn't return to prior levels. Or remember the tsunami? -> Same thing.

 

My suggestion: Max out RAM, it helps a lot. I've been assigning 16 GB to my gaming VM, wasn't enough. Using 24 right now, works for Nevada and Caucasus, maybe I need to assign even more. Speed wise, stick to 1866, you won't notice the 2% gain while loading the map, not worth the price difference for a whole new kit.

 

Then, overclock that CPU to the max stable and buy a beefier cooler which is compatible with newer sockets (multi bracket) ... and your current of course.