JG-1_Vogel Posted May 11, 2012 Posted May 11, 2012 Looking to up my RAM from 4gb to 8gb. Didn't build this rig myself and I can't remember what socket RAM I have. So I installed CPU-Z but it says I'm using PC3-10700H (667mhz). I'm a bit confused 'cause I thought I had 1600mhz RAM installed? Saw somewhere else that normally thats for 1333mhz RAM? Slightly confused! Have a Clarkdale i3 overclocked to 4.20ghz but think my 4gigs of DDR3 is bottlenecking my system as my fps isn't that great. I've got a GTX460 which isn't THAT bad. If anyone could help me with this I'd appreciate it!
Hamblue Posted May 11, 2012 Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) What motherboard is in your machine. I doubt that it can utilize the full potential of DDR1600 so I wouldn't worry. You can just get 8 gig of ram in 2 sticks to replace what you have. It's cheap these days and for about 60 bucks US you can get decent quality. I would also recommend a step up to the i5 or better series of chip. The i3 is on the low side when it comes to gaming. Edited May 11, 2012 by Hamblue Asus Sabertooth P67 Motherboard 2600k CPU, 16 gig DDR3, 1600. Samsung 830, 256 gig hard drive, GTX780 Video Card, Warthog Hotas, Razer Mamba mouse. Saitek Combat Rudder Pedals. Trackir 5, Verizon FIOS 25Meg Up/Down
Depth Posted May 11, 2012 Posted May 11, 2012 You can just get 8 gig of ram in 2 sticks to replace what you have. It's cheap these days and for about 60 bucks US you can get decent quality. This pretty much sums it up. All the specs are on the side of the stick itself, you can install uneven speed sticks but it will only be as fast as the slowest stick. Note that sticks have to be equal in size in pairs, for example a motherboard with 4 duel-channel slots, red-black-red-black, the red have to be equal size as do the black. Getting the timings right on uneven size sticks can be very tricky and it will always downclock to the slowest speed so go with the above to save some trouble. [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]
JG-1_Vogel Posted May 11, 2012 Author Posted May 11, 2012 Unfortunately I can't upgrade the CPU, simply can't afford it. I found some RAM on Overclockers.co.uk 8 gigs of Kingston DDR3 for £44. The CPU is running at over 4ghz though surely that would make up for it being an i3?
Depth Posted May 11, 2012 Posted May 11, 2012 The CPU may very well be the bottleneck, 4GHz or not it also depends on size and type of cache. [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]
JG-1_Vogel Posted May 11, 2012 Author Posted May 11, 2012 It's the i3 530 LGA1156 socket I think I can't remember what size cache it had. EDIT: Just googled it looks like it's a 4mb cache.
Hamblue Posted May 11, 2012 Posted May 11, 2012 The ram you found should be ok. Just make sure the voltage range matches what's available on your motherboard. Overclocking the i3 will definitely give you more performance but it's like putting a turbo on a Yugo. Just make sure it gets plenty of cooling as the overclock will heat it up a bit. Also make sure any background programs that don't have to be running are shut down before starting the game. Asus Sabertooth P67 Motherboard 2600k CPU, 16 gig DDR3, 1600. Samsung 830, 256 gig hard drive, GTX780 Video Card, Warthog Hotas, Razer Mamba mouse. Saitek Combat Rudder Pedals. Trackir 5, Verizon FIOS 25Meg Up/Down
Mustang Posted May 11, 2012 Posted May 11, 2012 This is what i purchased late last year, dirt cheap but excellent quality http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8GB-2x4GB-GSkill-DDR3-1600Mhz-RipjawsX-CL9-0-D-C-Kit-high-end-Memory-Gamer-/140745906259?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item20c51c1853
JG-1_Vogel Posted May 11, 2012 Author Posted May 11, 2012 Yeah I see what you mean. I'll look at upgrading the RAM, I just hope the CPU isn't the bottleneck here. I would love to get a new processor but I simply can't afford it. £45 on RAM is stretching it as things are :(.
Hamblue Posted May 11, 2012 Posted May 11, 2012 Ram will definitley help. The less time the machine has to access the hard drive the better. :thumbup: Asus Sabertooth P67 Motherboard 2600k CPU, 16 gig DDR3, 1600. Samsung 830, 256 gig hard drive, GTX780 Video Card, Warthog Hotas, Razer Mamba mouse. Saitek Combat Rudder Pedals. Trackir 5, Verizon FIOS 25Meg Up/Down
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