Upgrading Memory

[3RiverBrewer]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to upgrade my computer a little I got it about 5 years ago and figured it was time to give it a boost.

I currently have: (2GBx3) DDR3/1600MHz Triple Channel Memory Module

These 2 GB RAM are currently in 3 black slots and I have another 3 blue slots would it be better to grab another 2GBx3 and put them in the blue slots or upgrade to 4GBx3 and just replace the current RAM.

Currently everything runs fine but I'm trying to get another 5 years out of it (gaming wise) without spending a ton.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Charlie98]

Are you finding that you are running out of RAM?

List the rest of your system specs... there may be something else you would be better to upgrade than the RAM.

 

[3RiverBrewer]

[FONT=&quot]CPU: Intel(R) Core™ i7-950 3.06 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1366

FA_HD[FONT=&quot]D :[/FONT] Vigor iSURF II Hard Disk Drive Cooling System

FAN: NZXT Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan

MEMORY: 6GB (2GBx3) DDR3/1600MHz Triple Channel Memory Module

MOTHERBOAR[FONT=&quot]D :[/FONT] (3-Way SLI Support) MSI X58 Pro-E Intel X58 Chipset SLI/CrossFire DDR3 Mainboard

NETWORK: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network

POWERSUPPLY: * 800 Watts - XtremeGear Gaming Power Supply - Quad SLI Ready

SOUN[FONT=&quot]D :[/FONT] HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GT 240 1GB 16X PCI Express

Not running out of RAM I just figured it was cheap enough to upgrade to make sure I didn't run into issues in the future. I was also looking to upgrade my Video Card.. looking to stay under $200 for that if anyone has any recommendations.
[/FONT]

 

[Ketchup]

What do you use your computer for? That is going to give us the best indication of where money can be best spent.

Blanked statement: you want an SSD. Either to replace your hard drive, or to clone your current hard drive to SSD, and turning your other drive into storage.

The only other thing you system is really lacking in is GPU. But if you don't play any games on it, that isn't going to matter.

 

[Charlie98]

Currently everything runs fine but I'm trying to get another 5 years out of it (gaming wise) without spending a ton.

It also depends on what games you play or intend to play.

Your CPU and memory are sufficient for most current games, it's your GPU that is a problem. If you are looking to spend $200 on a GPU, and a little more to upgrade your memory... I would put all that into a GPU... say a GTX970. If you must stay below $200 no matter, then you are looking at a GTX960... and then I would say to save your pennies until you could afford the 970 in any event (or equivalent AMD card.)

...and, I agree with Ketchup... plan to add an SSD. You didn't list your current storage, but something to think about.

5 more years is a pretty tall order for your current system... it's already at least 4 years old. That's not to say it can't still be viable, but you need to outline how you use it.

 

[Braxos]

Oc that cpu buy a 970 and a 256 ssd, if you got the budget. If not then the 970 without ssd and add that later. For gpu any equally to the 970 from AMD side will do too.
Don't clone. Fresh install is always better to clean the system.