adding 4 gb of RAM

[tren001]

My desktop currently has 4 gb (2 x 2gb) of G.skill F3-12800CL7D RAM (CAS 7, 1.6 V, 7-8-7-24-2N), which I bought back in 2010 off Newegg.

It is of course discontinued now, but I am thinking of upgrading the computer to 8 Gb, since I may get into a bit of gaming and photo-editing on the machine.

1. I guess if I am going down the route of adding 2 more sticks of 2 gb RAM, I should try to get the exact same RAM for maximal stability/performance? Or can I just stick any pair of DDR3 2 Gb RAM into the other 2 slots?

2. If I can buy the identical RAM off ebay for cheap (say under $25), is this a good way to go? Will the extra 4 Gb be worth it, or should I bite the bullet and get 2 sticks of 4 Gb RAM? (in which case my old RAM will just be collecting dust).

3. In the case I can get identical RAM, I can just pop the 2 extra sticks onto the motherboard, and I would be good to go, correct?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Agent11]

I would go over the motherboard manual's memory section real quick to make sure it doesn't have any funky memory density problems first. And then browse the motherboard bios change log to see if there is anything applicable mentioned, but it should work... Theoretically.

 

[dbcooper1]

Either should work; I assume you're using a 64 bit operating system?

 

[tren001]

Either should work; I assume you're using a 64 bit operating system?

Yes, I am using Win7 64 bit.

Also, in regards to the first reply regarding looking over motherboard and bios settings about additional RAM ... If the motherboard has 4 RAM slots, shouldn't it accept 4 IDENTICAL sticks of RAM without any issues?

 

[Blain]

2. If I can buy the identical RAM off ebay for cheap (say under $25), is this a good way to go?

Can you indeed buy identical 2x2GB DIMMs off ebay from a highly rated seller?

 

[Agent11]

Yes, I am using Win7 64 bit.

Also, in regards to the first reply regarding looking over motherboard and bios settings about additional RAM ... If the motherboard has 4 RAM slots, shouldn't it accept 4 IDENTICAL sticks of RAM without any issues?

Nope, some boards are finicky. It's a good practice to check first just in case.

 

[kushy26]

Before used 32 bit window I think we can use only external hard disk like thing sorry knowing about this also.

 

[Blain]

Before used 32 bit window I think we can use only external hard disk like thing sorry knowing about this also.

?? ??

 

[tren001]

Nope, some boards are finicky. It's a good practice to check first just in case.

My motherboard is EVGA P55 SLI 132-LF-E655-KR for a LGA1156 Core i5 Intel CPU. If I end up with the RAM, I guess I'll try to look up its manual on the net. Although since I'm planning to upgrade the video card anyways, I can just stick the additional RAM and see what happens.

Is there any software to test for RAM stability and performance, to show me that the 4 additional gigs of RAM is not in conflict and also providing me greater performance?

 

[Agent11]

No.

Your motherboard manufacturer's web page will have QVL lists for your board though with lists of verified modules in various configurations.

I would pay attention to the 4x2g tests.

Reading the bios changelogs or at least skimming them can help clue you in to any specific considerations that may be mentioned.

Your board is fairly newer so there shouldn't be too many issues.

I hate evga's website, I much prefer Asus'... Goodluck.

 

[tren001]

Hmm, what about adding a pair of slightly different G.Skill RAM?

Current set: F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM, 1.6V, CL7-8-7-24

Possible new set: F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH, 1.6V, CL7-7-7-24

Both are DDR3 1600 12800 RAM, and same size at 2 gb x 2, with the only apparent difference being the timing (7-8-7 vs 7-7-7).

Any reason these 2 pairs of RAM sticks won't work well together?

 

[dbcooper1]

Disconnect your system disk, install them and see if it sees it properly in BIOS. Download one of the bootable memtest programs and test overnight or at least several passes before you boot your system to your O/S. You'll likely be fine but it's not worth risking corrupt system.