How much RAM do I need?

[russr]

Currently using NF7-S 2.0 motherboard with 512mb PC3200.

i was going to upgrade to 1gb by just adding another stick of 512mb, but is it worth getting a 2x1gb kit? Do i really need 2gb of RAM or is 1gb sufficient? Also, whatever I get, is it worth getting a matched pair and doing dual channel? How much difference does a matched pair make in running dual channel successfully?

I do video editing, occasional gaming, pvr, and the usual email/web browsing.

Thanks

 

[stevty2889]

1gig should be plenty for you, depends some on those occasional games, or if you do any photoshoping as well(which can benifit from 2gb of ram).

 

[darkdemyze]

EDIT: My mistake, misread post

I would just get another 512mb stick.

 

[russr]

Originally posted by: darkdemyze
There's no point in getting a 2x1gb kit as that is directed toward boards that support dual-channel DIMMs, while yours does not. I would just get another 512mb stick.

My board does support dual channel, as I stated it is the NF7-S 2.0 which is an nforce2 board. That is why I asked about the advantages of a dual kit/matched pairs.

 

[superHARD]

If you can run dual channel, RUN IT!

1gig (2x512) is enough for you.

But to get ram in dual channel mode, you usually need matched sets (matched pairs)

 

[russr]

Originally posted by: superHARD
If you can run dual channel, RUN IT!

1gig (2x512) is enough for you.

But to get ram in dual channel mode, you usually need matched sets (matched pairs)

Can you tell me why I need matched sets? Also are you guys sure that 1gb is enough? I don't want to go a few months and find it is not.

 

[RallyMaster]

matched sets allow you to have dual channel. if two sticks aren't exactly the same, dual channel doesn't work.

 

[russr]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
matched sets allow you to have dual channel. if two sticks aren't exactly the same, dual channel doesn't work.

Could you explain to me why it doesn't work if they are both PC3200 DDR with the same set of cas timings, but different brands? How does it know they are the same?

 

[firewolfsm]

just get 1GB and close other progs if you need

 

[Mogadon]

Originally posted by: russr

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
matched sets allow you to have dual channel. if two sticks aren't exactly the same, dual channel doesn't work.

Could you explain to me why it doesn't work if they are both PC3200 DDR with the same set of cas timings, but different brands? How does it know they are the same?

Dual channel not working if the two sticks aren't matched sets is BS. It's a case of: it may work, it may not.

The reason they sell matched sets is to garauntee that the two sticks will work in dual channel.

I had the same mobo you had and was running 2*512GB PC3200 in dual channel that were not matched, they were close however. They were both Geil, one was value RAM rated at 3-3-3-8 and the other was golden dragon rated at 2.5-3-3-8 (those figures are from memory, they may not be totally accurate). I was actually running the sticks, in dual channel, at 2.5-3-3-8 with an FSB 210.

I would recommend that you buy another 512MB stick, 1GB will do you fine for the next year or so. If you can, get the exact same RAM you have in there now. If you can't let us know what it is and maybe we can help you find something equivalent.

Remember though, whilst dual channel may work there's a possibility it may not too.

 

[Duvie]

Just try to find another 512mb stick that is the same brand and model as you have now...1gb is enough...

If you trust ebay just type in your memory model number and buy one...

 

[papaHesch]

russr,

The reality is you can get by with 1GB of memory. Of course 2GB would be better for video editing (which I do a lot) and most modern games will appreciate it (which I do too much). 2GB might also by you some extra time between rig upgrades but you should be fine with 1GB in the near term (1 year). Do not worry about the matched pairs, I have had three dual channel computers (current one has 4GB) and never had a problem with several different brands and configurations. Just to be safe I would get the same brand of your current memory but do not worry about it not being in a matched pair package, it will work fine. If not return it and try another. That is what is great about Fry's, Microcenter, and etc.

PapaH

 

[russr]

Unfortunately, the current stick of RAM I have in there is Buffalo Tech 512MB PC3200 which has Winbond CH-5 chips. Even if I were to get Buffalo Tech again, they do not sell this kind of RAM anymore. As you know, Winbond CH-5 was special for its low latency/overclocking ability. Today the RAM that buffalo tech sells in 512mb is nothing special and would not guarantee me dual channel ability.

I bought a stick of 512mb Kingston Value RAM KVR400/512R which was complete crap. The NF7_S absolutely hatest it because first of all the RAM won't do a Command Rate of 1T at stock. I had to get a hacked bios that set the command rate to 2T for it to be stable. In addition, it won't do dual channel with the Buffalo Tech RAM.

 

[superHARD]

Also if you don't get matched sets of ram and your system does run in dual channel...it might not be 100% stable. Look for another 512 CH-5 stick...or get a new 2x512 kit.

 

[LIVAN]

I always thought 1GB was already overkill for me. BUt honestly, since I got 2gb, my computer never has felt smoother. Maybe its just the way I use my computer or it's my Ducal COre. Not if you can 2gb is great.