Alienware M17x R4 Memory Upgrade Help Needed

[MrCisco]

After SSDs, Win7 Installs and Multi Monitors all now sorted, I'm moving into new territory - Memory Upgrade!

Ok.. So my new system came with:

6GB DDR3 Dual Channel 1600Mhz (2 Dimms)

4GB - PC3-12800 - Nanya Tech (Slot 1)
2GB - PC3-12800 - Micron Tech (Slot 3)

Timings:
DRAM Freq: 798.3Mhz
FSB DRAM: 1:6
CL: 11
tRCD: 11
tRP: 11
tRAS: 28
CE: 1T

I thought this might be enough, but already had windows complaining a bit, and now I have 3 displays on the go, I do often multitask with quite a applications.

So.. I'm looking to upgrade. Question is how much more and what's the best way?

1) Should I be looking to add to my existing memory, or replacing them altogether? I've read that mixing memory might be bad (but then why does alienware mix with the 2 sticks above?)

2) Can there be an odd number of memory modules (i.e having 1 or 3 in there) or do I need to keep it even? (I believe my system has 4 slots, 2 easily accessible under the back, 2 under the keyboard.

3) How much is enough 8, 10, 14, 16 32? I have 64bit Win7, so don't believe the addressing is an issue. More just to know what's enough? As I say, I do multitask quite a bit, and Win7 has complained at 6Gb already (It's been getting to around 5gb so far). Will the overall system be faster with more, or is it just a case of I can have more apps open at one time? Anyone else have their system loaded with lots of RAM and actually using it or seeing a difference?

4) Timings. Ok, so what's all these about? I've worked out that the lower the timings the faster the memory. Also that the system only works at the speed of the slowest memory. Do these timings need to be compatible with each other for memory to work, or will the all work just at the speed of the lowest one? Are the timings of my memory above any good, or is it worth getting faster memory? Is faster memory tangibly noticable?

5) Any Brands / Models of memory anyone would recommend?

Thanks!

Cisco

 

[MrCisco]

Anyone help here? I know they might seem like basic questions, and I have done my homework on most things. Just hoping someone might be able to provide some valueadd from an angle of someone who deals regularly with these things?

Cheers!

 

[Rooster212]

Looking at the tech specs for the model, I would say that you could get either a 8GB kit or a 16GB kit and put it into the computer.

As long as you are willing to take the computer apart, looking at the manual, you will have to take apart quite a bit of it to get to the 3rd and 4th memory slots. So you could get the 16GB memory kit and replace your current 2 sticks, or get the 8GB kit and add it into the spare slots.

In terms of whether the upgrade is worth it, post here what kind of apps you are using, to be honest 6GB should be enough for most, but running virtual machines or using programs such as photoshop or premiere will likely mean that an upgrade will do you well.