Upgrading RAM - advice?

[Griffin]

I'm planning to upgrade my system to 4 GB of RAM from current 2 and make full use of the new 64x Windows. Now I'm not totally aware of all the stuff that needs to be considered. Right now I have two basic 1 GB Kingston modules.

 

My motherboard manual says: "This chipset officially supports the memory frequency up to DDR2 800 MHz. Tuned by the ASUS Super Memspeed Technology, this motherboard natively supports up to DDR2 1066 MHz."

Does this mean I can install 1066 MHz modules just like that? Will they interfere with the current 800 MHz modules? Or should I get rid of the old ones altogether and buy 4 GB of high speed RAM?

 

I also want to get clear about the effects of RAM. It will reduce loading times, possible stuttering and allow the PC handle large amounts of data better? Anything else?

[DarkWanderer]

Does this mean I can install 1066 MHz modules just like that? Will they interfere with the current 800 MHz modules? Or should I get rid of the old ones altogether and buy 4 GB of high speed RAM?

The memory subsystem on all desktop motherborads will work with speed of the slowest component, i.e. if you install DDR2-1200 RAM - it will work as DDR2-800 (if you do not remove old modules) or 1066 (if you do).

So in your case best choice is to get rid of the old modules and buy 2 fresh 2048Mb DDR2-1066 (aka PC2-8500)

(A small note: the rating is not frequency, DDR2-800 chips work at 200MHz with 400MHz bus frequency - though in stores it will be named "800MHz")

[Griffin]

I'll get a full new set then! Luckily there's only one RAM set I see available in local store so I won't have to to keep thinking between multiple similar options. It's this one:

 

www.verkkokauppa.com/popups/prodinfo.php?id=0102

 

However, there is one more about 20 € more expensive than this one. Will I see any difference if I buy this instead? This one has a heatsink and some EPP support.

 

http://www.verkkokauppa.com/popups/prodinfo.php?id=24451

 

5-5-5-15 vs 5-5-5-18?

[DarkWanderer]

If you plan to go for overclocking - take OCZ, radiator and EPP (enhanced performance profiles) would be of much help in that case.

If you dont' want to mess with it - take Kingston, since it has a small advantage out-the-box, and spend additional 20 euros on CPU/GPU upgrade later.

Timings are not that critical.

Edited February 14, 2010 by DarkWanderer

[Griffin]

Okay thanks! Very easy choise this time unlike usually with hardware. I'll go with Kingston.

[Boulund]

I also think that the best idea is to go with a completely new 2x2Gib set. Putting four sticks next to each other is begging for a hard-to-cool hotspot in your case.

[Griffin]

I started to hesitate a bit because of the price. 1066 is faster, but is it so much faster than the 800 that it would actually make a difference? I could save over 50 € by just buying one 2 GB module. A couple of examples:

 

http://www.verkkokauppa.com/popups/prodinfo.php?id=4403

 

http://www.verkkokauppa.com/popups/prodinfo.php?id=21266

[DarkWanderer]

Well, there is such thing as dual-channel access to memory, which gives some advantage when handling large data volumes - i.e. in game loading times. It won't work if your modules are not in pairs.

Chosing dual-channel 1066MHz over single-channel 800MHz would give you pure 5-20% in memory-intensive applications. So you choose.

P.S.And look for another store. Kingston KVR800D2N5/2G from the first link costs 32.7€ here in Russia - 10.2€ less.

[Griffin]

Then the last option is to put two 1 GB modules. Like Boulund said, it could create a hot spot but I have to look at all the options with current money situation. That's why I keep bothering with such details. :)

A couple of options:

 

Two of these: http://www.verkkokauppa.com/popups/prodinfo.php?id=30114

or

This pack: http://www.verkkokauppa.com/popups/prodinfo.php?id=3192

 

P.S.And look for another store. Kingston KVR800D2N5/2G from the first link costs 32.7€ here in Russia - 10.2€ less.

This is generally the cheapest store here and it also has smallest sale profits. Вот так унас. :)

[DarkWanderer]

And they talk about european wealth levels. Nah... :P

Look which modules are installed on your computer (e.g. with this) and try to pick similar.

I'd personally go with third variant:

http://www.verkkokauppa.com/popups/prodinfo.php?id=15011

It's cheaper than buying two of #1's and available now.

[Griffin]

That looks like a great option. I was only looking at those that are available in the store. That one has to be ordered but will be ready for pickup in no time. I'm a bit worried about cooling of that bunch since my case is terrible in that sense and I even have one side removed due to heat. Maybe I'll get a new case next month.

 

Thank you alot!

[EtherealN]

On the case of cases for cooling, I am very happy with my CoolerMaster 932 HAF (High Air Flow). Two 24cm fans feeding the case with air, another 24cm and a 12cm extracting air, and if you mount the PSU at the bottom it'll have it's own air cycle. The box is also prepared for water cooling if that becomes an option with refill ports and ports prepared for any tubing you want to pull out of the box. The fan assemblies also have the option of replacing them to mount a water system's heat sinks there as well. To top it all off, it has good space behind the MB tray for running cables and a very smart HDD tray system sitting behind one of the 24cm fans. The other 24cm intake fan, even smarter, aims it's airflow straight at the Graphics Card positions, making sure your GPU fans always have a steady supply of "fresh" (that is, not having gone through another heat-generating component) air.

 

Only real drawback is that it has gone completely on the airflow side - trying to sound-proof it is a futile endeavour, and unless you clean it once a month or so you will have big dust buildup problems.

Edited February 18, 2010 by EtherealN

[sobek]

[...]

 

Should such a solution become necessary, you might as well think about heat dissipation from your workspace, as it might become too hot to actually enjoy the puter with all the blow dryers it employs ;)

[DarkWanderer]

I was only looking at those that are available in the store. That one has to be ordered but will be ready for pickup in no time.

Well, it shows "Availability: now" if Google is not mistaken, unlike the first option - which is "10-15 work days".

You're welcome.

[EtherealN]

Nah, the heat generation under load is still only in the range of 300-400watt. During winter I still have to employ extra heating. :P The problem always is to ensure that heat is dissipated fast enough from the cirquits - a modern processor f.ex still only generates about the same heat as an old-school light-bulb.

 

The problem with most computer cases is that they are such a closed environment that the heat stays there.

[Griffin]

On the case of cases for cooling, I am very happy with my CoolerMaster 932 HAF (High Air Flow).

Maybe when I win in lottery or move to Sweden where everything is so posh. :D Almost anything will do better job than the current one as I have one wall open to get enough cooling and it's sucking dust like hell! I was thinking of something like Nexus Clodius or maybe a little bigger one. That's another story though but tack for advice. :)

Well, it shows "Availability: now" if Google is not mistaken, unlike the first option - which is "10-15 work days".

It's available now from their main warehouse but the others are actually on shelf in their stores. It doesn't matter though, I'll propably get the last one you recommended.

 

I think this is solved now. Thanks to everyone!

Edited February 18, 2010 by Griffin