Additional RAM?

Simon_89 · 14 Jan 2016 at 11:58

Hi guys,

I have a machine I built in 2013 and it has been running spot on, recently I've noticed on task manager there isn't a lot of RAM free when my other half is using it for her planning.

I've currently got Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz installed, I'd like to upgrade this to 8GB as I think this should be sufficient.

Is it just a case of getting the same speed RAM and popping it in or do the RAM timings need to correspond?

Thanks,
Simon

wellibob · 14 Jan 2016 at 12:06

Depending on your motherboard any half decent similar specification ram should coexist. Considering the price of ddr3 I'd be tempted to just wack 2x4 gig of new ram in. The choice is yours however

Simon_89 · 14 Jan 2016 at 12:14

If it makes any difference the motherboard is a Gigabyte Z77-D3H Intel Z77

DaleTheWhale · 14 Jan 2016 at 12:26

It will probably be a similar price for 2 x 4GB as it is for finding a matching pair of 2 x 2GB and considering you can get a fast 8 GB set for around £35, I'd be more inclined to get a new set of RAM.

Your motherboard will be fine.

beany_bot · 14 Jan 2016 at 12:53

People been saying (rightly so) for a while now that 8GB is "enough". But I think those days are drawing to a close. Chrome alone will use 3.5+GB of RAM and if you have a game running with chrome on another monitor then kiss your 8GB of RAM gone. I was using 8.5GB RAM running RUST + chrome. editing fairly basic videos I will use 12GB RAM.

I recommend to everyone know to go for 16GB for day to day safe use if you game and web surf.

5960xNvidiaGamer · 14 Jan 2016 at 19:05

16gb is where you want to be, there's loads of games using more than 8gb now.

Nate75 · 14 Jan 2016 at 20:23

5960xNvidiaGamer said:
16gb is where you want to be, there's loads of games using more than 8gb now.

Really?

I have heard BF4 can use 8GB but not heard any other games that do.

Interested as have just bought a new 16GB system.

5960xNvidiaGamer · 14 Jan 2016 at 20:24

Nate75 said:
Really?

I have heard BF4 can use 8GB but not heard any other games that do.

Interested as have just bought a new 16GB system.

Yeah there is plenty of games using over 8gb now mate, been a few years since 8gb was the norm.

Schizo · 14 Jan 2016 at 20:34

I have never had less than 16gb of ram,currently using 32gb,ram is cheap enough to have more of it in my eyes.

Disco_P · 15 Jan 2016 at 01:07

I went from 8GB to 16GB as I thought I was running out in GTA V and Witcher 3.

Not a sodding difference. Nothing. None. Nada.

The only thing that has changed is that now there are 4 sticks instead of 2.

Perhaps it is cause I am using Firefox instead of chrome

Uhtred · 15 Jan 2016 at 16:24

16gb is what I went for (2x8) with room to expand to 32gb in the future.

Simon_89 · 16 Jan 2016 at 21:21

The PC isn't used for gaming, I'd say the most intensive program used would be AutoCAD.

BoydieUK · 19 Jan 2016 at 20:42

i'm not too sure about CAD being taxing, i use to use it abit at work to be honest though mate id replace the ram with 2x4gb or just go for 16gb can get a good set quite cheap make it a tad future proof i guess! might start gaming?