RAM Upgrade Advice

Right now, I’m stuck with just 1 GB of DDR2 RAM. I’m looking to add another gig to the mix, but I could really use some guidance on what to pick. I actually tried tossing in a stick I borrowed from a friend, but that was a total bust—the computer wouldn't even boot up, just kept giving me that endless, repetitive "beep" code. Here are the specs for my current module:

Type DDR2
Size 1024 MB
Channels Single
DDR4-2666 CL4
CAS Latency 4 clocks
Manufacturer Micron Technology, Inc.

So, what’s the move here? Should I be hunting down an identical match (if one even exists?), or is it actually possible to find something similar enough that won't cause my system to lose its mind again?

Just drop the motherboard model number here.

Micron Technology, Inc. M61SME-S2 (Socket M2)

Here’s the list of memory modules compatible with your motherboard:
http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList...-m61sme-s2.pdf

It's pretty important to check if you're adding a single-sided (SS) or double-sided (DS) module—you can't really mix an SS module with a DS one.
Basically, an SS module just has the memory chips on one side of the stick, whereas a DS module has them on both sides.

Much appreciated, Anthony 🙂

So, here's the situation,

I'm currently running an ASUS ROG motherboard paired with an Intel Core i7-4770K overclocked to 4GHz, along with some "old school" Corsair Vengeance RAM consisting of 2x4GB at 1600MHz CL9. Since this specific kit isn't really available on the market anymore, I was hoping to pick up another 2x4GB pair to match my current setup in terms of brand and timings, and I managed to track down some Corsair Dominator. However, I noticed that its JEDEC profile for 1600MHz is set at CL11 1.5v, while the XMP profile is what hits that CL9 1.5 V. if I decide to go ahead with this new RAM, will I still be able to maintain my current 9-9-9 overclock across both sets, or is that JEDEC profile going to get in the way? Just to clarify, I don't do manual overclocking; I just rely on the "automatic" settings within the BIOS...

thanks

1. Why bother overclocking your RAM? You should really look into getting an APU instead; you'll actually see some tangible performance gains
2. It probably works that way
3. What's your RAM's serial number? It might have specific profiles; have you checked the manufacturer's specs yet?

Timothy Kim60 said:1. Why bother overclocking the RAM? You might as well do it if you're running an APU so you actually see some tangible benefits.
2. It probably works that way.
3. What’s your RAM's serial number? Maybe there's info on it if you check the manufacturer's site.

Thanks for getting back to me...

1. I wouldn't really consider myself an overclocker; my current RAM is rated at 1600MHz CL9 and that's how it shows up in CPU-Z, so I've really just bumped up the CPU multiplier, as far as I know...😬

2. I certainly hope so... I'm a little worried that the BIOS might just read the JEDEC profile with those CL11 timings, causing all my RAM to default to CL11 instead of staying at CL9...

3. I couldn't find anything through the usual retailers, but according to CPU-Z, my current RAM is part no. KHX1600C9D3, which the Kingston website says is discontinued and has been replaced by HX316C9SR—which is actually what's inside that HyperX Savage 1600 CL9 model I'm looking at...

wanderingbison9 said:I'm a bit worried the BIOS might just read the JEDEC specs with those CL11 timings, which would mean my whole RAM kit runs at CL11 instead of hitting that CL9 sweet spot...

There really isn't anything to worry about, even if it does default to CL11. Have you looked at this? It shows there's basically zero impact here.

That said, it’s highly likely the system will run exactly how you're planning to set it up.

Thanks for the link... I was under the impression there might be a noticeable difference based on some of the articles I've read lately. I think I'll go ahead and grab it, if only to see for myself whether the latency actually takes a hit or not.

Hey there. Here’s the situation: I'm running an Asus x54c with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1 installed.
A quick copy-paste from Speccy:
Main Processor
Intel Celeron B810 @ 1.60GHz
Sandy Bridge 32nm technology
Memory
2.00 GB single-channel DDR3 @ 665MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. K54C (CPU 1)

Regarding the memory—here is what it shows:
Memory Slots
Total Memory Slots 2
Used Memory Slots 1
Available Memory Slots 1
Memory
Type DDR3
Size 1954 MB
Channel Number Single
and so on.
I’m wondering if it actually makes sense to upgrade the RAM by adding another 2 GB—assuming I have the capacity for it—and specifically, what details should I be looking for when buying a new stick?

wanderingbison9

Chris Mitchell4 said:Hey there. Here’s the situation: I’ve got an Asus x54c laptop running Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1.
Copy-pasted from Speccy:
Main processor.
Intel Celeron B810 @ 1.60 GHz Sandy Bridge 32
Sandy Bridge 32nm technology.
RAM.
2.00 GB single-channel DDR3 @ 665MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. K54C (CPU 1)

Here’s what it says about the RAM:
Memory slots...
Total memory slots: 2
Used memory slots: 1
Available memory slots...
Memory.
Type: DDR3
Size: 1,954 MB
Number of channels | single
itd.
Does it make sense to upgrade my RAM by adding another 2GB? I'm assuming I meet the requirements for this, but what exactly should I be looking out for when I go to buy some?

I think you’d definitely see the benefit here. Honestly, 2GB of RAM is just cutting it way too close these days. A well-optimized system will swallow up about 800 to 1000 MB just to run the OS, which leaves you with barely 1 GB for anything else. You fire up YouTube, check Facebook, and hop on a forum, and suddenly your RAM usage is sitting at 95%...

When it comes to buying RAM, there isn't really anything specific you need to worry about... Just looking for the most basic DDR3 memory out there. For laptops, everything needs to be running perfectly. You could always pop the bottom cover off to check which brand is already inside. If you match the existing module, there’s a much better chance you won't run into any compatibility issues—even though they're tiny.

You don't even need to open the case. Just pull up CPU-Z, head over to the SPD section, select the specific RAM slot you're looking at, and there’s the product serial number right in front of you.

Timothy Kim60 said:You don't even need to open the case. Just pull up CPU-Z, hit the SPD tab, select the specific RAM slot, and the serial number should be right there.

True dat 👍

Fair enough. I'll look into it tomorrow. But listen—let's say I decide to go ahead with the extra RAM. I actually planned on doing this over three years ago when I first picked up my Dell XPS 😵, but now you guys have me second-guessing things. My plan was to grab an extra 2 GB, which would bring the total up to 6 GB since it’s upgradable. Given the processor I'm working with, does 6 gigs actually make any sense?
One more thing! If I physically install the RAM myself, do I need to do anything specific to get the system to recognize the new module?

Look, it's an 80-$30 difference. That’s the last slot in your laptop. If I were in your shoes, I'd just go with 4GB right now because any upgrade after this means selling those two sticks just to buy new ones, which is a waste of money. So, you pay a little extra, that 80-$30, and then you're "more futureproof." Though, honestly, you probably don't even need more than 4GB, so again, I don't know how much those 6 or 7 beers 😁
actually matter to you.

The X54C actually only has one memory slot; those 2GB are soldered directly onto the board. I used to own that exact laptop, and if I recall correctly, it had a Nanya chip, but honestly, it doesn't matter—any standard DDR3 SO-DIMM should work just fine.

If you’ve been scraping by with 2GB, jumping to 4GB will make this thing feel like it’s flying. Is it worth it? Given that the price difference is barely ten bucks, I'd say just go for it. 🙂

Exactly. This machine comes with 2GB of RAM soldered right onto the motherboard—though luckily, I do have one open slot left.
For my needs, this laptop is basically just a glorified web browser and a tool for handling Office docs and PDFs. Oh, and the occasional photo browsing or messing around with collages—just for fun.

However, looking at this link you guys shared, the RAM speed is listed at 1600MHz, while the onboard memory is sitting at 1333MHz. Does that actually matter? If I pop in a faster card, will it just throttle down to match the old one? (I’m mostly just guessing here based on the numbers 😁)—I don't mean to sound like an expert.
Any specific brands you'd recommend? Is that Crucial option any good?

Chris Mitchell4 said:That's right. Those factory 2GB RAM sticks are soldered directly onto the motherboard, but I do have one free slot available.
My laptop is basically just for browsing the web, going through Office docs and PDFs, and making them. I guess I use it to look at photos too, and occasionally mess around with making collages just for fun...

No, na ovom The link you guys sent shows RAM running at 1600MHz, but mine on the motherboard is clocked at 1333MHz. Does that actually matter? If I get a new card with a higher clock speed, will it just be throttled by this old setup? (I have no idea what I'm talking about, just guessing based on how those two numbers look...) 😁)
Any recommendations on brands? Is that Crucial stuff actually any good?

It doesn't matter—if you're running two sticks of RAM with different frequencies, they'll both just default to the lower speed. In your case, that means they’ll run at 1333 MHz. You can find 1333 MHz RAM over at Best Buy. $2.00 It’s more than 1600 MHz, so... 🙂 Yeah, that one I sent you is solid.

It’ll run at a lower frequency, but honestly, you're better off just grabbing some RAM that matches what's already on your motherboard.
And obviously, you gotta make sure the voltage is identical for both modules.
The only thing that doesn't really matter when you're upgrading is the manufacturer.