Upgrading RAM

Hey everyone. I'm looking to upgrade my RAM. My PC shipped with 3 2G sticks and it will hold a fourth.

I have always heard it is best to have matching RAM. What are some opinions on this?

With current machines is it ok to mix and match RAM? Also is it ok to mix and match different sizes (ie. 2G with 4G or 1G sticks)?

If I can't find an exact match would I be ok with mixing RAM sticks?


Thanks for the input.

McKilla76

ram usually wont mix and match it is best to have matching ram as far as mixing size sticks of ram i'm pretty sure that you can do that as long as they are the same mfg. but i will double check on that to make sure for ya.

from what i find you can mix and match the size of ram you use just keep it the same mfg. and you should be fine.

Before you go any further with this, find out what kind of motherboard you have. There's a little more to it than just buying what ever you feel looks cool. Get the make and model so we can look it up first. That way we can find the best type of ram for your machine.

Just make sure ... if it's PC 10333, or PC 12800, you get Ram with the same speeds ad your previous. Otherwise, allyou RAM will need to slow down to your lowest speed, and lowest voltage.
I personally would get ram witht he same Timing as well, but thats just me.

I'm running PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333).

In the past I have used Kingston. I've always just bought matching sticks at the same time.

This is the first machine where I had an extra empty slot when I purchased it.



McKilla76

no one has mentioned this but I dont think you need more than 6g for any gaming application. The highest amount any game engine runs AFAIK is Frostbite @ 2.? Gig. I run 12g but I use 3 hi res monitors and Photoshop heavy content. For gaming 6 gig is really overkill, even when running multiple displays pumping out 12mp resolutions 100x a second.

Get the model number of your MB to find out if its dual channel or tri channel (quad channel coming in 2011 with a 2011 intel socket) configuration. Speed is great to have but you should MOSTLY (not always) go with what is recommended by your MB MFG. My opinion is Corsair. I have built 6 gaming rigs to date with Corsair ram and haven't had a single Ram problem.

Good Luck

Thanks for the info and help everyone.

Since I can't just add any old 4th stick of RAM then I think I will hold off and save my money for a video card upgrade sometime in the next few months (before BF3 for sure).


McKilla76