RAM [+25]

[Richie]

Hey,
I currently have 4gb ram installed on my xps 83000 and want to get an additional 8gb. I have 4 ram slots (2 of them are in use). If I was to buy x2 4gb RAM sticks and run them along side x2 2gb RAM sticks will that effect the performance of the RAM overall?

I currently run a desktop minecraft server so minecraft usually takes up a good 1gb ram. Then with windows + other programs it normally does max my ram out. If I am running the full 4gb RAM everyday will it effect the performance of those two sticks? The reason I ask this is because since running it even when the server is not turned on the performance of my pc has decreased dramatically and I need to find out what's causing the problem.

Once I get more RAM I'll have 12gb RAM. Is there a way for me to set what I want what RAM stick to do. For example 1 2gb ram stick to run mc the other 2gb to run windows then the rest just to run additional programs or is it just randomly used?

Final question. What is the difference between all these RAM sticks? I understand ddr3 etc but these seem to be very similar yet some and more expensive than others.

[Kieran]

Well I can answer two of the questions for you:

1. Ram always runs better if the modules match each other. So there will be some disadvantage from having new modules with your old ones.

3. The timings of the modules are different. For example, the top one looks like they are 9-9-9 timing, where as the bottom ones are 7-7-7-24. The lower the better

[Recursion]

Firstly, I don't see you maxxing out 8GB.

Secondly, yes it will affect the performance, IIRC they will all run at the speed of the slowest stick of RAM on your motherboard (can't remember 100% though). Thirdly, no, you cannot assign sticks of RAM.

[Richie]

Well I can answer two of the questions for you:

1. Ram always runs better if the modules match each other. So there will be some disadvantage from having new modules with your old ones.

3. The timings of the modules are different. For example, the top one looks like they are 9-9-9 timing, where as the bottom ones are 7-7-7-24. The lower the better

Cheers bro

@1 but running all 12gb of ram would be better than just running the new 8gb surely?

---------- Post added 08-05-2012 at 07:48 PM ----------

Firstly, I don't see you maxxing out 8GB.

Secondly, yes it will affect the performance, IIRC they will all run at the speed of the slowest stick of RAM on your motherboard (can't remember 100% though). Thirdly, no, you cannot assign sticks of RAM.

So it would be better to take the old sticks out completely and just install the new ones?

[Kieran]

Yes. It will still be better running the 12GB. Just it won't get the full potential.

What are the current RAM modules you have installed?

[scottish]

difference also with the 1.5v stick and 1.35v stick

1.5v is standard so i'd get that one

[Richie]

@Intricat;

You said the lower timings of the modules is better, what exactly does the timing do?

[scottish]

http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/...AMD/memory/131

[Richie]

difference also with the 1.5v stick and 1.35v stick

1.5v is standard so i'd get that one

So the last RAM sticks at the bottom of the image would be best? I knew they were due the the price, just didn't understand how.

[Kieran]

@Intricat;

You said the lower timings of the modules is better, what exactly does the timing do?

It's the delay between doing tasks. So the lower the numbers, the less delay, therefore the faster response from the RAM

---------- Post added 08-05-2012 at 07:53 PM ----------

So the last RAM sticks at the bottom of the image would be best? I knew they were due the the price, just didn't understand how.

TBH. Unless your current RAM modules are 7-7-7-21, I wouldn't bother paying the extra apart from they look cooler