Adding RAM question

[RisseN]

Hi All,

Just a quick question. Im looking to add some more RAM to my desktop. Currently I have 2x2gig Kingmax DDR3-1333

Am I correct in assuming I just need to get more DDR3-1333. I dont need to worry about the voltage, manufacturer or anything else? (it can be any manufacturer?). As long as it is DDR3-1333, the rest should be compatible?

thanks.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

yip, as far as I know should be fine

but check your M/B manual that not exceeding your max memory you want to put in,
I assume you want to upgrade to 2x 4G sticks for 8 GB in total?

 

[RisseN]

Ok, ill have a look at the motherboard manual. Thanks.

Nope, actually I was just planning on getting another 2gigs. So I would have 3x2gigs = 6gigs total

 

[The_Ogre]

Just remember the default memory clockspeed would default to the slowest DIMM's speed. So don't get slower than 1333

 

[RisseN]

Just remember the default memory clockspeed would default to the slowest DIMM's speed. So don't get slower than 1333

Cool, no problem. The main thing I was concerned about is voltage or any other concerns, and getting a different manufacturer to the existing modules (ie: kingmax). But by the sounds of it, that's not an issue. Thanks.

 

[GreyBush]

Cool, no problem. The main thing I was concerned about is voltage or any other concerns, and getting a different manufacturer to the existing modules (ie: kingmax). But by the sounds of it, that's not an issue. Thanks.

It could be an issue, If your current rams voltage requirement is very high and the one you buy is low you could end up putting too much voltage through the new one, since you want them both to run at the same speed and there is no way of setting individual voltage.

 

[RisseN]

It could be an issue, If your current rams voltage requirement is very high and the one you buy is low you could end up putting too much voltage through the new one, since you want them both to run at the same speed and there is no way of setting individual voltage.

hmmm, I guess I can find out the voltage in the bios somewhere? Ill try find out what the existing ram is

 

[Swa]

Shouldn't be a problem voltage wise. Where you will likely run into some trouble is with timings as it will select the most appropriate ones for both modules.

Adding a single module though isn't a good idea. If you're running in dual channel mode it will switch to single channel or even ignore the extra module altogether. Rather go for 2x1GB or 2x2GB. I'd suggest holding out till your next upgrade rather and getting some faster 2x4GB right from the start.

 

[Pada]

The only thing that isn't important is the RAM manufacturer. The voltage is crucial and the timings and speed makes your life easier if they're the same as the existing module(s).

Typically the DDR3 1333MHz modules are 1.5V CL9. You can use CPU-z to confirm the latencies, speed and voltage. Please take note that the frequency that CPU-z lists is half of the speed, meaning it would list your RAM as 666.5MHz

 

[RisseN]

The only thing that isn't important is the RAM manufacturer. The voltage is crucial and the timings and speed makes your life easier if they're the same as the existing module(s).

Typically the DDR3 1333MHz modules are 1.5V CL9. You can use CPU-z to confirm the latencies, speed and voltage. Please take note that the frequency that CPU-z lists is half of the speed, meaning it would list your RAM as 666.5MHz

Thanks for the CPU-z suggestion. I have always used Belarc Advisor, but CPU-z seems so much better. So much more info.

 

[RisseN]

Shouldn't be a problem voltage wise. Where you will likely run into some trouble is with timings as it will select the most appropriate ones for both modules.

Adding a single module though isn't a good idea. If you're running in dual channel mode it will switch to single channel or even ignore the extra module altogether. Rather go for 2x1GB or 2x2GB. I'd suggest holding out till your next upgrade rather and getting some faster 2x4GB right from the start.

Ok so it looks like im running in single channel mode according to the first screenshot below. Does that mean it's ok for me to just go ahead and get another single stick of 2gb since im not currently using dual channel anyway?

 

[Swa]

Ok so it looks like im running in single channel mode according to the first screenshot below. Does that mean it's ok for me to just go ahead and get another single stick of 2gb since im not currently using dual channel anyway?

Before doing that, there's two ways it could be installed. If your memory is in one bank but two channels, usually the same colour slots, then it's set to act as single channel and should work. If it's in one channel but two banks then it could cause the problems I mention.

 

[RisseN]

Before doing that, there's two ways it could be installed. If your memory is in one bank but two channels, usually the same colour slots, then it's set to act as single channel and should work. If it's in one channel but two banks then it could cause the problems I mention.

Thanks for your patience. My head hurts.

By "banks", do you mean slots?

I think it may be easier to just spend a little extra than I was planning and get an extra 2 x 2gig. That will essentially double what i've currently got and result in all 4 of my slots each having 2gigs. All DDR3-1333.

Does that sound like a reasonable solution to avoid any possible complications?

Lastly, if that is a viable solution do I have to manually set things up as dual or single channel or does that all just happen automatically? I only have 4 RAM slots and in that case all 4 will be in use with a total of 8gigs. My motherboard can handle up to 16gigs.

 

[Swa]

Thanks for your patience. My head hurts.

By "banks", do you mean slots?

I think it may be easier to just spend a little extra than I was planning and get an extra 2 x 2gig. That will essentially double what i've currently got and result in all 4 of my slots each having 2gigs. All DDR3-1333.

Does that sound like a reasonable solution?

Lastly, if that is a viable solution do I have to manually set things up as dual or single channel or does that all just happen automatically? I only have 4 RAM slots and in that case all 4 will be in use with a total of 8gigs. My motherboard can handle up to 16gigs.

Yes memory banks are essentially slots that lets memory be numbered in series (one byte after the other). The channels split a bank into two so it can write to two modules at the same time. It can't write to two banks at the same time.

If your bios is set to single channel mode then it's treating each channel as a separate bank as well. If that's the case you'll have to set it back to dual channel. If it's installed in separate banks you'll need to move one to the same bank. You can install 2x1GB or 2x2GB. I don't want to recommend either. You can choose which one you think is needed till your next upgrade.