SSD and RAM upgrades questions

Lophophora

Lophophora

Lophophora

Associate
Joined
28 Feb 2018
Posts
4
Hi all,
I want to install an additional SSD and RAM. I am not confident with hardware manipulations so I need your advice.

SSD:
It seems there is enough slots (both on the chassis, motherboard SATA connections and power unit) to add another SSD (I already have one). But the new SSD doesn't come with any cables or adapters. Do I just have to buy a SATA cable and a power cable and plug them from the new SSD to the motherboard and the power unit, or is there anything else to do?
Also, can I make an exact copy of my existing system SSD to the new one or do I have to install everything to make it the main system SSD?

RAM:
Currently I have 2 x 8GB and I'd like to add an additional 8 GB. Should I buy one 16 GB or 2 x 8 GB? Do I have to take the same RAM speed or can I just install any DDR3 at the DIMM format?
 
Also I am not sure what is the exact model of my RAM sticks. Here is the BIOS info and a photo, is this enough to determine the exact model?

20180228_172613.jpg

20180228_171740.jpg

20180228_171628.jpg
 
Your sticks are 2133MHz although you have them running at 1600MHz just now. https://www.kingston.com/dataSheets/HX321C11T2K2_16.pdf

I'd get 2x4GB DDR3. 2133MHz if possible. They can be faster or slower, doesn't matter too much. But all the RAM will run at the slowest speed you introduce. For example, if you get one of these three, they should run at 2133 like your existing kit (if you set that speed, otherwise all will run at 1600):

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £216.66 (includes shipping: £8.70)
​


The specifications for your Kingston RAM indicate that XMP Profile 1 is the one you should ideally set:

XMP Profile #1: DDR3-2133 CL11-12-12 @1.6V

https://www.kingston.com/dataSheets/HX321C11T2K2_16.pdf
Click to expand...


If the new RAM is faster like those 2400 kits above, or you find 2133 with the same (or lower) timings (CL11-12-12), then it should be able to run together without issues. And if there are any issues, just run them all at 1600.

Regarding cables for the SSD, you need to check your power supply and see if there are any SATA power connectors not in use. They are already attached to the power supply, unless it is a modular power supply. You will need to buy a Sata data cable though. Which you connect to the SSD and a motherboard Sata port. They come in different lengths and with right-angled connector options etc:

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £27.91 (includes shipping: £8.70)​
​
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom