Best RAM to add to this system?

[Dougmeister]

What I have:

Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H Motherboard

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+ 2.60 GHz

I bought this RAM when I built the system a few years ago:

Mushkin Enhanced 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

I am running Windows 7 64-bit and am thinking about upping the RAM to 8GB. Should I just buy the exact same memory to fill the other two slots?

 

[Eeqmcsq]

That's what I would do. I've heard that mixing RAM from different brands USUALLY shouldn't be a problem nowadays, but I try to stick with the same brand and same model when I can, just in case.

 

[Dougmeister]

I have some credit card reward points to burn and the only place I know I can use them that sells this sort of thing is Amazon. Can anyone recommend anything close to the same RAM as I currently have that Amazon actually carries?

A quick search turned up a few: here

 

[tweakboy]

I would buy a new 8GB kit, 1333Mhz for 30 dollars or less can be found.

 

[Blain]

Can anyone recommend anything close to the same RAM as I currently have that Amazon actually carries?

A quick search turned up a few: here

That search turned up DDR2, DDR3, Buffered, Unbuffered and So-DIMMs.

 

[xqzit]

Hello Doug,

Yes, adding another "Two 2GB" modules will upgrade your system's RAM to 8GB.

However, your motherboard supports a max memory of 16GB. Max per slot is 4GB. So what I would suggest you is to go with one or two 4GB modules based on the memory you need or based on your budget. The reason I'm asking you to go with 4GB module is, if in case you need - say a memory of more than 8GB... then you will have to remove some of the 2GB modules to accommodate the 4GB modules; instead you can avoid this if you would go with 4GB modules.

Moreover, you can mix different size memory sticks and they will work just fine. It is almost the same with mixing different brands, they should work. But I always prefer Major brands like Corsair, Kingston, Gskill, OCZ.

You can search using this specification - PC2-6400 240-Pin DDR2 Non-ECC DIMM. You can find this memory in Crucial.com, Memorystock.com, Kingston etc (I wish I can provide you with the links but I do not know whether it is okay with forum guys :\ )

Good luck with the upgrade.

BR,
xqzit

 

[Dougmeister]

I don't think they'd mind. I can't find any 4GB DIMMs at Crucial... Please post or PM me if you'd rather.

Also, cost is a factor here.

P.S. Would any of you buy *used* RAM from local shops if they had a good reputation?

 

[nightspydk]

Personally 12 gigs is a fine limit since you do not have to worry aot fsbs and ram. Couldn't help it that was for the invited. I run 16 gb on my super system and that is a bit overkill.

 

[xqzit]

I don't think they'd mind. I can't find any 4GB DIMMs at Crucial... Please post or PM me if you'd rather.

Also, cost is a factor here.

P.S. Would any of you buy *used* RAM from local shops if they had a good reputation?

Hello Doug!!

I am unable to PM you as i haven't completed 25 posts but I have mailed to your personal email ID (let me know if you received it). Personally, I do not recommend or suggest using used RAM. Usually, that may work but sometimes that can cause issues in the long run. Used memory sometimes can be the refurbished ones. So if I was you, I would go with the new memory.

Regards,
Xqzit^