RAM Upgrade?

[ZYX]

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade my RAM. I don't know much about computers but I heard upgrading ram means you can run several programs at the same time quicker.

I thought this would be beneficial to me as I do a lot of work in Photoshop CS5, Sony Vegas Pro, Adobe After Effects, console gameplay editing etc

Below are my specs;

My computer can have a maximum of 8GB of RAM but not sure buying the whole 8GB is worth it, or whether it would even work correctly, thats how much I know .

Could someone please advise me what a suitable option would be to buy and with a link if possible? I can order from anywhere in the UK, thanks.

 

[Benny Boy]

Your running in single channel on a dual chaneel mb. Try using 2 sticks in the dual channel slots. If that's not satisfactory, you could get 1x1GB and run the 4sticks. Or 2x2gb for 6 total.

http://www.crucial.com/eu/upgrade/compatible-memory-for/iMedia+S3810/list.html

 

[ZYX]

Hi, I'm not totally sure what you mean as I have very little knowledge.

I currently have a 1x1GB and 1x2GB RAM. Thats what the computer came with.

 

[Benny Boy]

OK, your pic says single channel, meaning there are 4 slots, but the RAM is in 3 of the slots causing it to run in single channel mode. Have you visually verified that you're running just 2 sticks and they are in the proper channels? It could be that the sticks need to be the same size to be dual.

Proper channels means if 2 sticks, they have to be in a certain 2 channels on the motherboard(not just any channels)

 

[ZYX]

I've just checked and there are 2 sticks, 1x1GB and 1x2GB. I think they are the same channel.

 

[Benny Boy]

If they are in the same color channels, try the other color. If that doesn't make it say dual channel, then perhaps both sticks need to be the same GB size.

 

[ZYX]

Tried the other colour but still the same.

Should I replace the 1x1GB with a 1x2GB? This will mean I have 4GB overall.

Do both the sticks need to be the same? If so, that means I need to buy 2x2GB sticks?

Thanks.

 

[Benny Boy]

I'd try to get the same volts/speed/brand if I could. If not then volts/speed. If not, then volts. They both need to be able to run at the same voltage. If you get 1x2GB same volts, but one is a slightly higher speed, they will both run at the speed of the 1x2gb you currently have.

 

[ZYX]

So should I just get rid of the 1GB and replace it with a 2GB?

Thats means one channel is used and I have 4GB?

The brand RAM I have is Samsung so I'll have a look, thanks.

EDIT - I think I have found the exact same RAM I already have although I'm not to sure how to check. I searched the part number of my current 2GB of RAM and this came up;

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/home/product/49478/Samsung-Memory-2GB-DDR3-1333MHz?source=googleps

 

[Benny Boy]

Yes, 2 matching sticks per dual channel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-channel_architecture

If you think 4gb will be enough. If you run a couple of those programs at once, more may be better. 7 x64 likes RAM and will perform better with more of it(to an extent). I think you've been only using 1/2 the memory bandwidth, so yeah, that exact stick you found would be the safest for compatability with your stick. I'd try that amount. And then if more is needed you could get a 2x2gb kit of 1.5v DDR3 10666. DDR3 will be the standard for a while yet.
Here's free apps that are good to have. You can find your memory specs in cpuz and others.
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares.html

Here's another site.
http://www.scan.co.uk/