Which RAM to use?

A

adrianrff

New Member
Hi, I just bought this desktop (all I could afford) and I want to add 4 more GB of RAM, but I understand that you can not mix memories without checking a few things first, so I was wondering if you could help me out finding something that suits.

Appart from the datasheet, I've found some information online, but I can't really make much of it given my limited experience in the computer realm:

Found this here:

Memory upgrade information

Dual channel memory architecture
Two 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets
Supports the following:
PC3 10600 (DDR3-1333)
PC3 12800 (DDR3-1600)
Supports 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB and 8 GB DIMMs
Supports up to 4 GB on 32-bit systems

NOTE:
32-bit systems cannot address a full 4.0 GB of memory.

Supports up to 16 GB (unbuffered) on 64-bit computers

NOTE:
Maximum memory shown reflects the capability of the hardware and can be limited further in the operating system.


I'm not sure if this refers to the type of memory that the motherboard supports or if it means that I can just add a memory with these specs to the one that's already there and it will work fine.

Am I better off just buying an 8 Gb set?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
From what I read in the comments, this is a 64bit OS. Can you confirm this?

If so, you can buy up to two 8GB RAM sticks. But it won't be necessary. You have only two slots for RAM so I suggest you buy two sticks of 4GB RAM, that'll be enough. As far as which stick to get, make sure they are DDR3 @ 1333MHZ and DIMM. I'm not sure you can get 1600MHZ but others can confirm, wait for their response.
 
64 bit is pretty standard anymore. I'd be surprised if it wasn't.

It says in the OP that it supports PC3 12800 (DDR3-1600) so yeah DDR3 1600MHz is supported.
 
Cisco001 said:
currently installed 1 x 4GB DDR3 1600. if you don't mind not having matched RAM that run dual channel, you can add another 1 x 4GB or 1 x 8GB
if you want dual channel, remove existing 1 x 4GB and replace with 2 x 4GB or 2 x 8GB RAM.

go for DDR3 1600
Click to expand...

So the memory installed is not dual channel? What does this mean exactly and what are the drawbacks of just adding a 4Gb memory stick without removing the existing one?

Punk said:
From what I read in the comments, this is a 64bit OS. Can you confirm this?

If so, you can buy up to two 8GB RAM sticks. But it won't be necessary. You have only two slots for RAM so I suggest you buy two sticks of 4GB RAM, that'll be enough. As far as which stick to get, make sure they are DDR3 @ 1333MHZ and DIMM. I'm not sure you can get 1600MHZ but others can confirm, wait for their response.
Click to expand...

Yes, the OS is 64 bit

Darren said:
64 bit is pretty standard anymore. I'd be surprised if it wasn't.

It says in the OP that it supports PC3 12800 (DDR3-1600) so yeah DDR3 1600MHz is supported.
Click to expand...

Thank you, all.

I'm still in doubt here though. Will any 4Gb memory stick that's DDR3-1600 and 240-pin DIMM work fine alongside the memory installed or should I just buy a 8Gb set? Keep in mind that saving a few bucks is important for me.
 
Most likely the memory in that HP is gonna be generic. But yes, If you can find some cheap 4gb stick of the same speed and timings as original stick then it should work fine.
 
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