Posted: 9/24/2010 5:44:57 AM EDT
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My new machine currently has 8GB of memory (4x2GB DDR3). There's 4 total slots, so to take it to 16GB would I simply swap out the 4x2 to 4x4? Is it that simple? Also, you can't have too much memory, right? There's no possible downside to making this change? |
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As long as your motherboard supports that much memory, you'll be fine. Changing/Upgrading memory is pretty easy, just remember to ground yourself to the case before you stick your hands in there. (not a 'computer person' but I have built a few and upgraded memory before) |
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Quoted: My new machine currently has 8GB of memory (4x2GB DDR3). There's 4 total slots, so to take it to 16GB would I simply swap out the 4x2 to 4x4? Is it that simple? Also, you can't have too much memory, right? There's no possible downside to making this change? What are you doing that requires more than 8GB of RAM? Serious question because you may be going the wrong route to upgrade something that doesnt need it.
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Quoted: My new machine currently has 8GB of memory (4x2GB DDR3). There's 4 total slots, so to take it to 16GB would I simply swap out the 4x2 to 4x4? Is it that simple? Also, you can't have too much memory, right? There's no possible downside to making this change? Theoretically, no, there's not a downside if your implementation is correct. I think 16GB is overkill right now, however. You start reaching the point of diminishing returns pretty quickly over 4GB for a simple home system. If you're wanting to run multiple VMs simultaneously on multiple cores and ganged memory for each, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, you really won't see much performance boost for web browsing, email or even most high-end games. Also, keep in mind that the more memory you have unless it's ECC it will be more prone to random errors that can crash your system. See here for the geek explanation. EDIT: In blue for clarification. |
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My new machine currently has 8GB of memory (4x2GB DDR3). There's 4 total slots, so to take it to 16GB would I simply swap out the 4x2 to 4x4? Is it that simple? Also, you can't have too much memory, right? There's no possible downside to making this change? Theoretically, no, there's not a downside if your implementation is correct. I think 16GB is overkill right now, however. You start reaching the point of diminishing returns pretty quickly over 4GB for a simple home system. If you're wanting to run multiple VMs simultaneously with ganged memory for each, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, you really won't see much performance boost for web browsing, email or even most high-end games. Also, keep in mind that the more memory you have unless it's ECC it will be more prone to random errors that can crash your system. See here for the geek explanation. +1 Very few consumers need 16gb. On the other hand I've got several ESX servers at work with 64, 96 or even more. |
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what os, some can't use that much ram, and why the hell you need more than 8 ? downside, you have to buy 16g of ram to upgrade 8g, just watch less porn at once I guess. I'm guess AMD, not intel ? I certainly want to be able to watch as much porn as possible at all times. |
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Quoted: Quoted: what os, some can't use that much ram, and why the hell you need more than 8 ? downside, you have to buy 16g of ram to upgrade 8g, just watch less porn at once I guess. I'm guess AMD, not intel ? I certainly want to be able to watch as much porn as possible at all times. Unless you're also editing that porn professionally, 8GB is plenty.  |
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Quoted: Quoted: what os, some can't use that much ram, and why the hell you need more than 8 ? I have to admit I almost certainly don't. I figured it's a cheap uprgade and if it's easy and I can do it. why not? OS is 7 Processor is i7-860 if that matters.. Because if you are not utilizing it, what is the point? Its not going to make your machine any faster. I have 8GB at home. I have run a VM, LOTRO, Chrome, and a suite of monitoring software and I didnt break 4GB.
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Quoted: As long as your motherboard supports that much memory, you'll be fine. Changing/Upgrading memory is pretty easy, just remember to ground yourself to the case before you stick your hands in there. (not a 'computer person' but I have built a few and upgraded memory before) xp doesn't use over 3 I think, and some of the cheaper 7 don't use over 4, So you OS can limit how much ram It uses Version....................... Limit in 32-bit ....................Windows Limit in 64-bit Windows
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As long as your motherboard supports that much memory, you'll be fine. Changing/Upgrading memory is pretty easy, just remember to ground yourself to the case before you stick your hands in there. (not a 'computer person' but I have built a few and upgraded memory before) xp doesn't use over 3 I think, and some of the cheaper 7 don't use over 4, So you OS can limit how much ram It uses Version....................... Limit in 32-bit ....................Windows Limit in 64-bit Windows
XP 64 bit could use more than the 4GB 32 bit cap. But since almost nobody used it I'll let it slide.
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My new machine currently has 8GB of memory (4x2GB DDR3). There's 4 total slots, so to take it to 16GB would I simply swap out the 4x2 to 4x4? Is it that simple? Also, you can't have too much memory, right? There's no possible downside to making this change? Theoretically, no, there's not a downside if your implementation is correct. I think 16GB is overkill right now, however. You start reaching the point of diminishing returns pretty quickly over 4GB for a simple home system. If you're wanting to run multiple VMs simultaneously on multiple cores and ganged memory for each, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, you really won't see much performance boost for web browsing, email or even most high-end games. Also, keep in mind that the more memory you have unless it's ECC it will be more prone to random errors that can crash your system. See here for the geek explanation. EDIT: In blue for clarification. Sounds like I'm barking up the wrong tree here. I'm not too knowledgable in this realm, and I admit I just always thought more memory=better. I suppose that's generally true, but from the responses here I'm probably just flushing a few hundred down the tubes for no real gain. (to be honest, I figured 8 gig was good, but it seems that it's more capable than I thought) I guess 8 gig is fine. (plus, having earned the nickname 'Voltar', it is not always the best idea for me to go poking around at a motherboard) |
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As long as your motherboard supports that much memory, you'll be fine. Changing/Upgrading memory is pretty easy, just remember to ground yourself to the case before you stick your hands in there. (not a 'computer person' but I have built a few and upgraded memory before) xp doesn't use over 3 I think, and some of the cheaper 7 don't use over 4, So you OS can limit how much ram It uses Version....................... Limit in 32-bit ....................Windows Limit in 64-bit Windows
It's that. |
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OP what's the 16GB needed for? Odds are 8GB is plenty and the $ for 8GB more could be thrown at a bottleneck elsewhere in the system. Specs etc... ? Processor Intel® Core™ i7-860 Processor1 2.8GHz with Turbo Boost2 Technology up to 3.46GHz (8MB Smart Cache)6 Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64-bit)7 Memory 8GB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1333MHz Memory (4 x 2048MB)8 Memory Capacity 4 DDR3 Slots Total (0 Slots Available) Hard Drive 1TB SATA hard drive (Green Product - variable RPM)4 Video ATI Radeon™ HD5770 Graphics card with 1GB of Discrete Video Memory8 Optical Drive 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive Power Supply 500W Power Supply Application Software Microsoft® Works & Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007 (60-day complimentary trial period)3 Audio High Definition Audio with 5.1 Audio Support Available Expansion Slots Available: 0 - PCI-E x16, 2 - PCI-E x1, 1 - PCI Chassis High performance, black glossy design with trendy red accents and lighting effects Dimensions (Box) 12" (H) x 20" (W) x 24" (D) or 304.8mm (H) x 508mm (W) x 609.6mm (D) Dimensions (System) 17.7" (H) x 7.5" (W) x 19" (D) or 449mm (H) x 191mm (W) x 482mm (D) External Ports (10) USB 2.0 (4 Front, 6 Rear), HDMI™, (2) PS/2, (2) DVI, (3) Audio, (1) High Definition Headphone Jack, (1) High Definition Microphone Jack Keyboard Multimedia Keyboard Media Card Reader Multi-in-One Digital Media Card Reader with PhotoFrame Button5 Motherboard Systemboard with Intel® H57 Express Chipset Mouse Optical Mouse Network 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port) Security Software Norton™ Internet Security 2009 (60-day trial)9 Warranty 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty with Toll-Free Tech Support10 Weight 31 lbs. (14.1 kg) system unit only / Approximately 38 lbs. (17.2 kg.) box |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: My new machine currently has 8GB of memory (4x2GB DDR3). There's 4 total slots, so to take it to 16GB would I simply swap out the 4x2 to 4x4? Is it that simple? Also, you can't have too much memory, right? There's no possible downside to making this change? Theoretically, no, there's not a downside if your implementation is correct. I think 16GB is overkill right now, however. You start reaching the point of diminishing returns pretty quickly over 4GB for a simple home system. If you're wanting to run multiple VMs simultaneously on multiple cores and ganged memory for each, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, you really won't see much performance boost for web browsing, email or even most high-end games. Also, keep in mind that the more memory you have unless it's ECC it will be more prone to random errors that can crash your system. See here for the geek explanation. EDIT: In blue for clarification. Sounds like I'm barking up the wrong tree here. I'm not too knowledgable in this realm, and I admit I just always thought more memory=better. I suppose that's generally true, but from the responses here I'm probably just flushing a few hundred down the tubes for no real gain. (to be honest, I figured 8 gig was good, but it seems that it's more capable than I thought) I guess 8 gig is fine. (plus, having earned the nickname 'Voltar', it is not always the best idea for me to go poking around at a motherboard) If it still concerns you, run a gadget that displays how much memory you are using. Run the usual software you like to run, and watch the usage. You will see what some of us are talking about. |
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Quoted: Quoted: what os, some can't use that much ram, and why the hell you need more than 8 ? I have to admit I almost certainly don't. I figured it's a cheap uprgade and if it's easy and I can do it. why not? OS is 7 Processor is i7-860 if that matters.. Not an Intel guy, I thought they ran in 3 channels, not 2/4. 16 gig of good ram is 600, from newegg, that's a cheap upgrade ? hell for 570 upgrade this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148349 run you win 7 exp thing and tell me if your hard drive isn't the slowest part of your PC |
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hell for 570 upgrade this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148349 run you win 7 exp thing and tell me if your hard drive isn't the slowest part of your PC Agreed money would be better spent on a SSD, since it sounds like you don't do anything that needs that much RAM. |
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Quoted: Yup that's why I asked for the specs. I'd put the $ in a SSD as well and use the existing WD drive for docs/media etc. SSD boot/apps FTW!Quoted: hell for 570 upgrade this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148349 run you win 7 exp thing and tell me if your hard drive isn't the slowest part of your PC Agreed money would be better spent on a SSD, since it sounds like you don't do anything that needs that much RAM. |
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what os, some can't use that much ram, and why the hell you need more than 8 ? I have to admit I almost certainly don't. I figured it's a cheap uprgade and if it's easy and I can do it. why not? OS is 7 Processor is i7-860 if that matters.. Not an Intel guy, I thought they ran in 3 channels, not 2/4. 16 gig of good ram is 600, from newegg, that's a cheap upgrade ? hell for 570 upgrade this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148349 run you win 7 exp thing and tell me if your hard drive isn't the slowest part of your PC Not sure exactly what that means ...... do the specs I posted above address this? And the drive you posted is interesting, even if I don't know exactly how it would apply to my ssytem. This would replace the existing drive or be a secondary drive? The more I talk about this the more you will see it's not really my bag. |
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what os, some can't use that much ram, and why the hell you need more than 8 ? I have to admit I almost certainly don't. I figured it's a cheap uprgade and if it's easy and I can do it. why not? OS is 7 Processor is i7-860 if that matters.. Not an Intel guy, I thought they ran in 3 channels, not 2/4. 16 gig of good ram is 600, from newegg, that's a cheap upgrade ? I think that Core i7 does not run triple channel memory. In the Core i7 family only the 9xx CPUs run triple channel. Thus his mobo only has four memory slots because if he had a triple channel Core i7 he'd need six slots. |
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Put your OS and your apps on the SSD and the other data on the secondary. The SSD will make a more noticeable difference in boot time and prog load time than the extra 8gb will. I'm afraid I'm a Piper Cub pilot, and on my way to the restroom I've mistakenly wandered into a briefing room filled with F-22 pilots. "Hey, guys, what's up?" 
In theory I have a basic understanding of what you describe, and how it might have a more practical effect on performance. In practice if I were to attempt this kind of a manipulation I would not get far. |
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didn't see this answer anywhere You stated you have Windows OS 7 Home, correct? which version 32bit or 64bit? My understanding is that 32bit does not take advantage of anything over 4gigs of RAM you need 64Bit version? or am I mistaken? Page up a few for complete specs on the machine. Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64-bit)7 |
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Quoted: Quoted: Put your OS and your apps on the SSD and the other data on the secondary. The SSD will make a more noticeable difference in boot time and prog load time than the extra 8gb will. I'm afraid I'm a Piper Cub pilot, and on my way to the restroom I've mistakenly wandered into a briefing room filled with F-22 pilots. "Hey, guys, what's up?" In theory I have a basic understanding of what you describe, and how it might have a more practical effect on performance. In practice if I were to attempt this kind of a manipulation I would not get far. Many SSD kits come with cloning software that can handle this in a more painless way. Not quite as good as starting with a clean slate but still really easy. Easy as plug in the SSD, run the cloning program unplug the old HD kinda easy. Kingston has a good little kit that does that with theirs I've used before and many others have it as well. |
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Put your OS and your apps on the SSD and the other data on the secondary. The SSD will make a more noticeable difference in boot time and prog load time than the extra 8gb will. I'm afraid I'm a Piper Cub pilot, and on my way to the restroom I've mistakenly wandered into a briefing room filled with F-22 pilots. "Hey, guys, what's up?"
In theory I have a basic understanding of what you describe, and how it might have a more practical effect on performance. In practice if I were to attempt this kind of a manipulation I would not get far. Many SSD kits come with cloning software that can handle this in a more painless way. Not quite as good as starting with a clean slate but still really easy. Easy as plug in the SSD, run the cloning program unplug the old HD kinda easy. Kingston has a good little kit that does that with theirs I've used before and many others have it as well. My interest is peaked. (it's not a coincidence that these four words have been said immidiately before some real fuckups in my life, so I need to tread lightly here. Sort of like 'hold my beer and watch this .....) Anything about this motherboard that would preclude the use of this drive? (as near as I can tell, this is the motherboard in my machine) |