Upgrading my system

NotoriousHJM · 24 Jun 2010 at 03:32

I'm thinking of upgrading my Pc and I just need some Hardware support really.

Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.vistasp2_gdr.100218-0019)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: NVIDIA
System Model: NVDAACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 1509MB used, 2827MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 7.00.6002.18107 32bit Unicode
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 8800 GTX

Are my current specs.
I'm a gamer and I edit a lot of video so really having my amount of RAM isn't sufficient atm.
I was thinking of installing Windows 7 64 bit and pumping my Memory up to 6gb.

I have no idea about Hardware though and I'd gladly appreciate it if someone could point out some decent Memory for me?
I have a budget of about £100 for memory. Thanks

cmndr_andi · 24 Jun 2010 at 04:45

Hi there, welcome to the OCUK forums

As you mention, more RAM is a good idea.

I would suggest checking your motherboard to see if there are any free RAM slots available to drop in more RAM. If you download CPU-Z, it will tell you the model name/number of your motherboard.

If there are free slots, then I would suggest taking one of the sticks out, reading what it says on the sticker and posting it here. With this info we can recommend you some compatible RAM that will bump your memory up.

If there are no free slots, then you will have to replace the current set with higher density modules - which will be more expensive for the same volume of RAM.

One thing I would suggest, is a considering a CPU upgrade (I assume you have the E6600 as it says "2 CPUs" above, you can check using CPU-Z). The Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 would give you a nice chunk of extra performance in multithreaded apps like video editing. Second-hand Q6600 chips can be had for £70-80, and you can sell on your E6600 to offset that cost a bit.

Finally, have you considered overclocking your CPU? This will require a new cooler (~£30), but you can increase the clockspeed quite considerably on these core 2 chips - I would suggest aiming for 3.6GHz if your motherboard is a good one (this target goes for the E6600 and Q6600).

NotoriousHJM · 24 Jun 2010 at 04:59

I'm kind of a novice when It comes to overclocking etc.
Recently I set my fans to work on overdrive so now my PC is ridiculously loud and I have no idea how to reset them to default haha but anyway.

Thanks for the rapid reply first off.
My Motherboard is:

I can probably push the price for RAM to about £150 too.

cmndr_andi · 24 Jun 2010 at 05:12

I just had a look at a review for that motherboard, looks like a good bit of kit.

I would now suggest opening the case and have a look at the RAM modules themselves. They should have a sticker on them that will say their make and model number, it may also list their specifications like voltage, timings and frequency. With this info, we can recommend you some RAM to augment your system. At a guess, something like this would be a good bet to bring your total RAM up to 6GB and preserve dual channel mode.

How did you turn the fans up to maximum? Did you go into the BIOS and turn off motherboard fan control? If so and you can't figure out how to reset them from within the BIOS, I suggest doing a CMOS reset.

NotoriousHJM · 24 Jun 2010 at 05:13

Ill do a CMOS Reset!

NotoriousHJM · 24 Jun 2010 at 13:36

Ok My RAM is Corsair XM52 DDR2 MEA 800 MHZ I migh've got a bit wrong then As I wrote it down quite sloppily.
Anyway, What Ram could you recommend to accompany that or Should I just get brand new sticks to replace it?