1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

RAM size, speed and timings

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by Christer, 2016/02/22.

  1. 2016/02/22
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    Hello all!

    I'm planning to upgrade from W7 to W10 on the computer in "My System ".

    In preparation, I'm planning to upgrade the RAM from 4 GB to either 8 GB or 16 GB. I don't play games and do no photoshopping or video editing, just Office work. The most RAM-intensive task I do is ... :rolleyes: ... Windows Update! This means that the system probably won't benefit from 16 GB over 8 GB but I have a doubts about that.

    The motherboard supports 1333 MHz without OC and that's what I'm opting for.

    1333 MHz modules are hard to find but the 1600 MHz modules listed below are SPD at 1333 MHz.

    Comparing CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 and CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8

    Can the C8 modules be set to run at 1333 MHz with the lower latency or is that possible at 1600 MHz only? If possible, would I notice a difference worth a 34% price increase?

    Would it be better to go for CMZ16GX3M2A1600C9G (disregard the colour) at a 65% price premium over the 8 GB C9 modules?
     
    Christer,
    #1
  2. 2016/02/23
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

    Joined:
    2004/06/25
    Messages:
    7,214
    Likes Received:
    514
    Hi Christer, I'm using your first choice but in Skill Ripjaws and they work fine for me doing what the average user does. Browser, Email, photos and word-processing.
    With W10 Pro 64bit I'm on the Desktop within 20 seconds of pushing the Start button. Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2016/02/23
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    Hi Neil,

    I don't think that I would notice any difference between C9 and C8 modules, even if they were running in parallel on two otherwise identical systems. Changing modules between C9 and C8 on the same system would probably reveal my reaction time ... :rolleyes: ... when pushing the button on the chronograph!

    My first choice is 8GB (2x4GB) C9 but your "My system" says "16GB G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL (4x4GB) DDR3-1600 PC3 ". Are you referring to a different system running 8GB (2x4GB) C9 modules?
     
    Christer,
    #3
  5. 2016/02/23
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

    Joined:
    2002/01/11
    Messages:
    3,371
    Likes Received:
    412
    RAM quantity trumps RAM speed every time so it is highly unlikely you will ever notice any performance gains by getting the faster RAM (except on paper/benchmark tests) while using the computer.

    Going from your current 4GB to 8GB should provide a significantly noticeable performance boost. But going from 8GB to 16GB - not so much (if at all) for the tasks this computer is being used for. That said, if 16GB is in the budget and you can get a decent deal on 2 x 8GB, I'd do it with the understanding the practical side of my reasoning/conscience was being ignored.

    If you really want to see some performance gains and allow Windows 10 stretch it's legs, upgrade to 8 (or 16) GB of RAM and replace your boot and apps hard drive with a SSD. You won't be disappointed.
     
    Bill,
    #4
  6. 2016/02/23
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    Hi Bill,

    I have read a few test reports which support my conclusion that I won't notice any difference between the different timings.

    I'm not in a tight spot financially and can afford the 16GB set but it may be wasted money compared to the 8GB set and that's what you have indicated. The motherboard supports a maximum of 16GB and if I get that ... :p ... I can stop thinking about it.

    I'm dual booting WXP and W7 and will upgrade the system to (hopefully) a dual boot of WXP and W10. When I have used W10 for a while, I will either revert to WXP/W7 (if I don't like W10) or get a SSD and do a fresh installation of W10 (no more WXP).
     
    Christer,
    #5
  7. 2016/02/24
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

    Joined:
    2002/01/11
    Messages:
    3,371
    Likes Received:
    412
    While not sure your point (since that is basically what I said) but in reality, test reports don't mean jack.

    Tests are synthetic and only measure performance in specific, limited scenarios under controlled conditions. They do NOT represent the real-world.

    Don't misunderstand me. As I noted, I would probably still get 16GB since you are upgrading at this time anyway.

    As far as XP, it needs to go away! It is obsolete and insecure.
     
    Bill,
    #6
  8. 2016/02/24
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    That's probably what I will do, if for nothing else, peace of mind.

    The reason XP is there is that the installation is five years old and dual boot. I don't want to mess with the installation but will wait until I migrate to SSD to get rid of XP.
     
    Christer,
    #7

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...