No idea how to buy ram

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fakebun

Member
Jan 30, 2005
167
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Hi guys, I currently run a 750W i7-920 Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R (dont know which rev) with Sapphire Radeon 4890, ocz agility 60gb SSD and 6gig of ram (forgot brand). There seems to be some problem with my RAM as my computer only picks up 4 gig when there are 6 gigs installed. With Diablo 3 coming out I think it is as good as any time to add new RAMs to my existing ram (or just replace them completely).

1. I don't know if I should buy new RAM and add them in addition to existing RAM or just completely replace old ones.

2. I don't know what kind of RAM to buy. Some recommendation please.

3. Is Radeon 4890 good enough for D3?

4. ummm it's rather a computer help question than RAM....when I ran D3 beta and even now when I play WoW, at some camera angle my fan would start spinning REALLY fast and making really loud noises. This has never happened before and I don't know whether it's the case fan or the CPU fan thats spinning that fast. The only major event where I had to open the case was when my computer wouldn't turn on. I took out RAMs to check and put it back in. Later found out it is my PSU's problem. What could be the problem?

I really appreciate the input. Thank you guys so very much.
 
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CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
5,401
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1. Memory is cheap these days. You could probably reuse at least two sticks of what you already have (assuming one stick is bad), but then you'd have to buy four more sticks to fill up all of the slots. Personally, I would buy 3x4GB sticks for 12GB total, keep the memory you currently have as spares, and call it a day.

2. You want DDR3 Desktop RAM. Other than that, make sure it specifies 1.5 volts (some brands offer higher speeds, but require more volts; can cause compatibility problems), and don't bother getting anything fancy. Plan on spending around $25-35 per 4GB stick. For your motherboard, you want a matched set of three sticks (either buy them individually, or in a 3x set). Brand doesn't matter much; I personally prefer Corsair.

3. Probably.

4. My guess is that was your graphics card's fan spinning up due to a high FPS jump. Certain angles probably allow the frame rates to go crazy for a moment, or tax the graphics card very hard. On a card like a 4890, the fan on it is probably the loudest one in your system when it ramps up to a higher speed. I wouldn't be concerned about it personally.
 
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Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
Blain said:
If I were shopping for high quality memory, I would use the following parameters as a guide...

* DDR3 rated at 1.5v or lower
* DDR3 rated at the lowest CAS I could afford
* DDR3 rated at the highest clock speed I could afford
* Limit the scope of my purchease to G.Skill, Mushkin, Corsair XMS or Crucial (non-Ballistix)

While not wavering on the voltage point, I would balance the other issues with my budget.

Remember kids my goal is not pure "benchmarking" performance, but simply finding the highest quality memory I can afford. ^_^
Click to expand...
Blain said:
The only reason I pay a premium for low latency, high speed, low voltage memory is...
Quality and quality alone.
Click to expand...
Blain said:
1.5v is the JEDEC DDR3 voltage standard.
Stay with 1.5v or less if you can afford it..
Click to expand...
:colbert: What he said.
 
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fakebun

Member
Jan 30, 2005
167
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Thanks for the help guys. I really appreciate it.

I have never OCed before because I'm afraid of the possible consequences.

I understand that I need to buy DDR3 1.5V, but I just don't know which brand and what speed (2133 or whatever the number is) to buy.

and I run 64 windows
 
Destiny

Destiny

Platinum Member
Jul 6, 2010
2,270
1
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fakebun said:
Thanks for the help guys. I really appreciate it.

I have never OCed before because I'm afraid of the possible consequences.

I understand that I need to buy DDR3 1.5V, but I just don't know which brand and what speed (2133 or whatever the number is) to buy.

and I run 64 windows
Click to expand...

Unless you are going to Overclock your CPU and other stuff on your build... you would not need more than 1600 (which is what Ivy Bridge can operate at stock levels). I recommend sticking with CAS 9 and lower - the lower the CAS = lower the Latency = the more expensive the RAM is...

NewEgg is having a 15% off RAM right now with a coupon code BTENFGN47 which is a good deal if you don't have to pay tax.

I narrowed the search for you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...G&PageSize=100

I have the Corsair Vengence 8GB Kit in my current build.

In regards to your Computer Build and RAM question... how many sticks of RAM do you have? I am assuming 3 sticks x 2GB each = 6GB...

It is always ideal to install RAM in pairs ( 2 sticks)... it is best to get all the same brand/sku/model/CAS setting...
 
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fakebun

Member
Jan 30, 2005
167
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ic... unfortunately I forgot what my RAM's brand and spec was. would there be a lot of problem if they are not from the same brand and spec? like running 2x2 with one brand and another 2x2 with another
 
VirtualLarry

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,587
10,225
126
fakebun said:
ic... unfortunately I forgot what my RAM's brand and spec was. would there be a lot of problem if they are not from the same brand and spec? like running 2x2 with one brand and another 2x2 with another
Click to expand...

There could be problems with doing that, especially if the specs (timings, and/or voltage) are different.

If the specs are the same, but the brand is different (or even different batches from the same brand, from different production times and therefore different chips), you could still have problems.

Best to have all RAM the same brand, same model/specs, and from the same production lot/batch, so that they are ensured that they all have the same chips in them.
 
Destiny

Destiny

Platinum Member
Jul 6, 2010
2,270
1
0
fakebun said:
ic... unfortunately I forgot what my RAM's brand and spec was. would there be a lot of problem if they are not from the same brand and spec? like running 2x2 with one brand and another 2x2 with another
Click to expand...

Just take it out of your Rig and look at it... or if you can find the old invoice... if not, RAM is cheap right now... $50 or less can get two sticks (2x 4GB) of 8GB kit = more than enough for gaming and handling Diablo 3... and use your old RAM to build a smaller rig or HTPC or as back up...
 
exar333

exar333

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2004
8,518
8
91
Destiny said:
Just take it out of your Rig and look at it... or if you can find the old invoice... if not, RAM is cheap right now... $50 or less can get two sticks (2x 4GB) of 8GB kit = more than enough for gaming and handling Diablo 3... and use your old RAM to build a smaller rig or HTPC or as back up...
Click to expand...

Or just download CPUZ and call it a day? It gives all the data you need about how many RAM modules are installed, JEDEC speeds, voltage, brand, and model #.
 
cmdrdredd

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
The X58 has tri-channel memory support so make sure you install them in sets of 3 for best performance.
 
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fakebun

Member
Jan 30, 2005
167
0
0
gah usually they sell it by 2s. can i use 1 stick of what i have now with 2 new sticks?
 
cmdrdredd

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
You can do that if you match them. They do sell sets of 3 for trial channel support as well.
 
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