DDR3 Upgrade question

Born2BSlow · 13 Sep 2017 at 12:44

Hello, recently did a cheap cpu upgrade from i7 950 @3.06 to Xeon X5670 @4.2 OC

My RAM is currently 12GB @1600MHz but I spotted this:

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Team Group Vulcan RED 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 PC3-19200C11 2400MHz Dual Channel Kit (TLRED316G2400HC11CDC0= £119.99

Total: £128.69
(includes shipping: £8.70)

My main usage is VR gaming, I have a 980Ti which is chugging away nicely. Would this upgrade improve my FPS &/or GFX quality in VR games significantly (£130 worth) ?
My X58-UD3R motherboard supports 2100+ ram so I think it is compatible.

My plan is to upgrade to a 1080Ti (maybe a complete new build to include it) at some point so i'm just looking for cheap gains for the moment.

eddiew · 13 Sep 2017 at 13:44

IIRC, ram is usually the last place to put money for performance gains. You do get some, but it's generally in the region of single digit percentages.

Also, does the xeon require quad channel memory? I have no knowledge of that generation, tbh, but it might be a thing to watch out for.

Born2BSlow · 13 Sep 2017 at 16:06

It's working with my current RAM so I assumed I could just upgrade the speed of the RAM, doesn't seem like I will gain much if I do though...

eddiew · 14 Sep 2017 at 11:43

If memory gets a bit tight, maybe it would be of value, but on the whole it's pretty low on the stack for gaining system performance. I personally wouldn't expect more than a few percent in benchmarks and probably nothing you'd "feel" in games.

*edit* Similar question and a good answer: https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/posts/31151440/

Kurgen · 14 Sep 2017 at 14:13

your board is triple channel, not dual or quad, although it will work in dual channel. it also may not recognize Dimms higher than 4gb, i dont think the spend is worthwhile and 12gb should be plenty for VR titles at the moment

eddiew · 14 Sep 2017 at 14:47

Good spot @Kurgen! I'd assumed the 12 was in 2x2 + 2x4, but 3x4 does make more sense thinking about the age of the hardware.

ExoMale · 14 Sep 2017 at 19:08

i cant believe that DDR3 is the same price as faster DDR4 modules lol

Born2BSlow · 14 Sep 2017 at 21:10

Thanks for the comments guys, I think I'll skip it, keep the money back for a full pc build in black friday mayhem, November time

hornetstinger · 14 Sep 2017 at 21:14

I have the same board as you, got 3 x 8GB modules, so 24GB. Xenon 5670 @ 3.8ghz, undervolted. £90 for 24GB.

Not sure if that speed is worth it, I just went for 1600mhz RAM, Kingston savage XMS supported.

Born2BSlow · 14 Sep 2017 at 21:56

My 12gb is 1600mhz and I've read 12GB is enough for gaming...not sure it's worth the expense with a potential new build planned in a few months...

hornetstinger · 14 Sep 2017 at 21:59

Born2BSlow said:
My 12gb is 1600mhz and I've read 12GB is enough for gaming...not sure it's worth the expense with a potential new build planned in a few months...

The extra 8GB module was only another £27. Also I think at the time 3 x 4GB cost more than 3 x 8GB, or literally the same give or take a fiver.

Born2BSlow · 15 Sep 2017 at 10:13

hornetstinger said:
The extra 8GB module was only another £27. Also I think at the time 3 x 4GB cost more than 3 x 8GB, or literally the same give or take a fiver.

Well that seems like a no-brainer for you then. Even if I sold what I have and got 3x8 to replace my current, it wouldn't gain me much performance and would be a hassle if I had to ship my RAM before I could get hold of replacement. I'm going to leave it. Roll on November.