How does upgrading to 8 GB of RAM work? Should I?

[Aspyred]

Just wondering how dual-channel RAM and all this stuff works. I just recently picked up a new Mobo + 4 GB of DDR3 RAM:

- Asus M4A785T-M, DualDDR3 1333 Mobo
- Patriot Sector 5 G Series DDR3 4GB (2 x 2GB) PC3-10666

I was wondering, since RAM is so cheap these days, and there's a pretty good deal no them right now with a MIR, can/should I just buy another 4 GB kit from Patriot to make 8 GB?

It wouldn't slow down the performance of the computer, would it? Each pair of RAM sticks would be 'dual-channel', yes? (I don't really know what this means, but I assume it is good.)

I know I need to upgrade to a 64-bit OS, which I will. But anyway, I should be able to do this without any performance decreases or anything of that kind?

Thanks for helping guys.

 

[FishAk]

If you think it's cheap now, wait 6 months.

But yes, as long as the specs are @ 1.5v or less, you should have no problem. 4 sticks would make 2 dual pairs.

 

[Aspyred]

If you think it's cheap now, wait 6 months.

But yes, as long as the specs are @ 1.5v or less, you should have no problem. 4 sticks would make 2 dual pairs.

It says the voltage is @ 1.65V. Is that a problem, and why?

( From http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX29795(ME).aspx )

 

[FishAk]

It means they had to raise the voltage above a standardized amount in order to achieve the specs they are advertising. This is a sign of inferior chips. It is possible that with 4 sticks installed, they will be unstable without pushing the voltage higher than is advisable, causing unnecessary wear of other components- especially the CPU.

This Mushin memory is $10 more, but does the same thing as the Patriot you linked @ 1.5v.

Here is some G.Skill that will do it @ 1.35v for another $5. This would be much superior to the sticks @ 1.65v, and is probably made from the new dies.

 

[Aspyred]

It means they had to raise the voltage above a standardized amount in order to achieve the specs they are advertising. This is a sign of inferior chips. It is possible that with 4 sticks installed, they will be unstable without pushing the voltage higher than is advisable, causing unnecessary wear of other components- especially the CPU.

This Mushin memory is $10 more, but does the same thing as the Patriot you linked @ 1.5v.

Here is some G.Skill that will do it @ 1.35v for another $5. This would be much superior to the sticks @ 1.65v, and is probably made from the new dies.

What if I already bought the Patriot?

Can I just stick 'em in there and hope for the best?

 

[FishAk]

Yes you can! there is either Hope or Change... maybe I have that wrong...

 

[Aspyred]

Yes you can! there is either Hope or Change... maybe I have that wrong...

Alright, I guess I will risk it, as long as it doesn't actually slow the system down. Thanks a lot for your help, man.