Looking to upgrade Ram, if someone can check I'm correct in my reasoning

Shazmog

Shazmog

Shazmog

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30 Nov 2011
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4
Firstly, thanks in advance for reading and any advice :)

So my rig is three years old and I'm realizing my current Ram (3x2Gb) is becoming limited for games like Star Citizen, so I'm looking to upgrade and am after recommendations.

My current build:
  • OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
  • CPU: Intel Core i7 960 @ 3.20GHz
  • RAM: 6.00GB Triple-Channel DDR3 @ 534MHz (Kingston HyperX)
  • Motherboard: Foxconn Flaming Blade GTI (Socket 1366)
  • GPU: 2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti (MSI)

I did some research around my motherboard and here is what I found in regards to RAM compatibility;=
  • Triple DDR3 2000(oc)/1800(oc)/1600(**oc)/1333/1066 x 3 DIMMs, Max. 12GB

So first question here is to check if I am right in thinking I can only take DDR3 tops (no DDR4 for example), and that there is no point in getting anything more than 12Gb as the motherboard doesn't support more ? And also, that I should aim for the Mhz indicated (2000 or 1800 or 1600)?

Taking this into account, I've looked at a few options, although it seems RAM is mainly sold in x2 or x4 nowadays. Am I better off trying to find 3x4gb here or is 2x6Gb fine? Or even higher taking the previous question into account ?

A few examples of what I've found:


I tried to find a 3x4 kit but no luck. I'm unsure if having one RAM slot open is an issue should only two be used? Also I've mainly looked at Kingston HyperX as I felt it would maybe be better to stay with the same brand but not sure if it makes a difference ?

I'm open on price as well if you have recommendations, curious as to what the best move would be here to get an upgrade to last me a year or two more.

Thanks in advance!
 
Hi there,

I see where you getting confused.

The motherboard you have is an old socket (which isn't a problem) but it only accepts Triple channel RAM. This means the RAM works in sets of 3 to process the data.

The current standard for RAM now is dual channel (two sticks) as found on the mainstream (Z97) chipsets or Quad channel (4 sticks) as for d on the extreme platforms (X79/X99).

Being an older model triple channel RAM isn't old regularly in shops anymore. You will need to venture into the second hand market to find some. It should be quite cheap too.
 
Mobos with Triple Channel capability can also run in Dual Channel (or Single).

Just need to put the two sticks into the correct slots to activate Dual.

This pic is for Dual or Triple configurations on X58 mobos:

TJPsZNn.jpg


However, the Foxconn in question seems to have three slots, not six, so you'd have to do some scouting on the proper arrangement for Dual on that board. Or, given there'll only be two possible ways, you can easily just test both and run some benchmarks to see which one is best.
 
Thanks guys, I see why I was having issues finding x3 rams sold together. I'll do some research to see if it works in dual, in which case I can indeed just take 2x8gb bars :)
 
Shazmog said:
Thanks guys, I see why I was having issues finding x3 rams sold together. I'll do some research to see if it works in dual, in which case I can indeed just take 2x8gb bars :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, thing is your motherboard states 12GB max. And I can't tell you if that's accurate or not. It might not be, or it may work but only provide you with 12GB not 16. Really don't know to be honest.

The thought came to me that if you wanted a go at Triple, you could buy a Dual kit of Kingston 1600, and a single Kingston 1600. They won't be matched and that means there's a chance they may not work together, but it's the same RAM so there's a good chance it will, at the same time. If it fails to work in Triple, you still have 2 x 4GB matched kit (don't mix them up) and can return or sell the single stick.

Like I said, no guarantees.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C10 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (HX316C10FBK2/8) £65.99
1 x Kingston HyperX Fury Black 4GB (1x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C10 1600MHz Single Channel Kit (HX316C10FB/4) £32.99
Total : £107.68 (includes shipping : £7.25).



If you'd be fine with 8GB, then okay. It's all you need for gaming and most things.
 
before you do an upgrade, go and find your motherboards driver page and download the latest bios reading back through notes you should see if you can now use greater than 12gb, even if the ram doesnt increase, its usually still a good idea to use the latest bios
 
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