Seeking Assistance/ Memory Upgrade Windows 7 64 bit

Edited by Synoptic12, 20 February 2024 - 11:58 AM.

As a general rule do not mix and match RAM cards, even from the same vendor with the same specs. So adding in RAM from different vendors and even from the same vendor is not the best choice.

Not saying it doesn't work, but it can have later issues.

Reason why is each batch of RAM is often differently made from the other, even from the same vendor.

Each batch made is more or less unique and different kits shouldn't be mixed and matched.

RAM kits sold are always from the same batch made at the factory.

Importantly to consider for the DDR3 1333 is the Latency and timings. These must be the exactly the same for the mixing and matching, and the mixing and matching should be from the same vendor.

Still there can be issues with this approach. Again these won't be the same manufactured batch.

Best option is to just buy a kit of 2 cards of RAM, 8GB at 1333 and call it simple and easily done. This way it is the same batch, and the timing and latency of the two cards will perfectly match each other.

Edited by 0lds0d, 20 February 2024 - 12:43 PM.

Yes 16GB of RAM is very do-able and yes there is some increase in performance, however it is a minor increase.

It may actually have slightly quicker boot times, programs may open slightly faster, and certain video/image programs may be performing slightly faster.

As a general rule the Windows does manage the memory fairly well and does the allocation and reduction well enough that 8GB of RAM is sufficient for general uses such as web browsing or doing Word, and 16 GB of RAM is better for gaming and heavier programs. But 32GB of RAM would be better for gaming and image/video programs.

However the new and more of the top of line work station desktops for image and video editing usually start with 32GB of RAM going highest to the maximum amount of RAM allowed on those motherboards and CPUs (256GB of RAM).

Edited by 0lds0d, 20 February 2024 - 12:58 PM.

As a general rule do not mix and match RAM cards, even from the same vendor with the same specs. So adding in RAM from different vendors and even from the same vendor is not the best choice.

Not saying it doesn't work, but it can have later issues.

Reason why is each batch of RAM is often differently made from the other, even from the same vendor.

Each batch made is more or less unique and different kits shouldn't be mixed and matched.

RAM kits sold are always from the same batch made at the factory.

 

Importantly to consider for the DDR3 1333 is the Latency and timings. These must be the exactly the same for the mixing and matching, and the mixing and matching should be from the same vendor.

Still there can be issues with this approach. Again these won't be the same manufactured batch.

 

Best option is to just buy a kit of 2 cards of RAM, 8GB at 1333 and call it simple and easily done. This way it is the same batch, and the timing and latency of the two cards will perfectly match each other.

The link I provided with the Samsung modules, are they O.K. (4X4)? I have added 4 additional GB's of Ram (Crucial) with no issues as adding to 2GB X2 modules. the latency and timing are exact with the 4GB modules on EBAY. There should be no problems, correct?

Edited by Synoptic12, 20 February 2024 - 01:00 PM.

Yes 16GB of RAM is very do-able and yes there is some increase in performance, however it is a minor increase.

It may actually have slightly quicker boot times, programs may open slightly faster, and certain video/image programs may be performing slightly faster.

 

As a general rule the Windows does manage the memory fairly well and does the allocation and reduction well enough that 8GB of RAM is sufficient for general uses such as web browsing or doing Word, and 16 GB of RAM is better for gaming and heavier programs. But 32GB of RAM would be better for gaming and image/video programs.

However the new and more of the top of line work station desktops for image and video editing usually start with 32GB of RAM going highest to the maximum amount of RAM allowed on those motherboards and CPUs (256GB of RAM).

What is wrong with 4x4 DDR3 (4 Modules): total of 16GB'S as opposed to two 8GB modules (16GB)? I would believe that the two 8 GB modules would have to be in the correct slot?

4 cards are 2 channels with 2 ranks each.

2 cards are 2 channels with 1 rank each.

Less ranks are for  better for performance, whereas more ranks often reduce the speed of the memory and hence reduce performance.

This applies to when using the maximum speed allowed as per the specs of that CPU.

1333 is the maximum speed spec'd as per your CPU.

This applies to the newer generations and may not apply to your situation.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/43546/intel-core-i5650-processor-4m-cache-3-20-ghz/specifications.html

Edited by 0lds0d, 20 February 2024 - 01:14 PM.

Correct slots -  2nd and 4th slots, going left to right of the CPU towards the right side of the motherboard, with the boards I/O on the left.

Usually labeled A2 and B2.

Always use A2 and B2 for dual cards.

Never use A1 and B1 for just two cards.

Edited by 0lds0d, 20 February 2024 - 01:20 PM.

Furthermore, swapping the HDD with a SATA SSD will make the system boot quicker, shut down quicker, launch programs quicker and give some pep to your video editing. 

A cheap economy-version of SATA SSD is a lot faster than the HDD - about 10 times faster on average and more going even faster with higher end SSDs.

NVMe drives are even faster than the SATA SSDs and those get faster with each new PCIe generation.

You could get a cheap 128GB SATA SSD and keep the now used HDD for storage. Or for backup.

Edited by 0lds0d, 20 February 2024 - 01:37 PM.

I suppose the Samsungs are OK without actually checking RAM or memory compatibility for your motherboard.

Couldn't find any exact details about the motherboard as to which cards are acceptable according to a QVL list for your board.

So it is possible a memory upgrade will have bugs.

I would buy it if you set on doing so and getting that RAM kit for that price.

There is a easy to use memory finder for any system, but still it maybe somewhat generic. From Crucial and only for Crucial products of course.

https://www.crucial.com/store/advisor

Edited by 0lds0d, 20 February 2024 - 01:50 PM.

Furthermore, swapping the HDD with a SATA SSD will make the system boot quicker, shut down quicker, launch programs quicker and give some pep to your video editing. 

A cheap economy-version of SATA SSD is a lot faster than the HDD - about 10 times faster on average and more going even faster with higher end SSDs.

NVMe drives are even faster than the SATA SSDs and those get faster with each new PCIe generation.

 

You could get a cheap 128GB SATA SSD and keep the now used HDD for storage. Or for backup.

 I very much appreciate the useful technical information you have provided. However on my operating system at near fifteen years of age, i have no intention of upgrading to SATA SSD; just not doing it. I'm basically working with what i have and trying to make improvements. i'm highly pleased with the GFT 1030 in place of the GT220, no issues.

Edited by Synoptic12, 20 February 2024 - 01:55 PM.

I suppose the Samsungs are OK without actually checking RAM or memory compatibility for your motherboard.

Couldn't find any exact details about the motherboard as to which cards are acceptable according to a QVL list for your board.

So it is possible a memory upgrade will have bugs.

I would buy it if you set on doing so and getting that RAM kit for that price.

 

There is a easy to use memory finder for any system, but still it maybe somewhat generic. From Crucial and only for Crucial products of course.

 

https://www.crucial.com/store/advisor

Well, I just added two 2GB modules (4 gigabytes) and now have 8 GB's with no problems. Not any chip manufacturer's are showing or displaying any DDR3.

Very Good!

Short answer for the question regarding that RAM - yes.

Long answer  - see the other posts in this thread.

4 cards are 2 channels with 2 ranks each.

2 cards are 2 channels with 1 rank each.

Less ranks are for  better for performance, whereas more ranks often reduce the speed of the memory and hence reduce performance.

This applies to when using the maximum speed allowed as per the specs of that CPU.

1333 is the maximum speed spec'd as per your CPU.

This applies to the newer generations and may not apply to your situation.

 

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/43546/intel-core-i5650-processor-4m-cache-3-20-ghz/specifications.html

So, on my MOBO (GL8E) would you advise to use 2 ranks or 1 rank? Would I be better with two 8 GB modules (2x2) or four 4GB modules TOTALLING 16 GB's?

You say, "This applies to the newer generations and may not apply to your situation". That is why I'm asking for your opinion. Thanks.

Edited by Synoptic12, 20 February 2024 - 02:10 PM.

Your system has held up quite well for the age.

Eventually it maybe be necessary to upgrade to a new system, not as of yet but eventually.

Soon all of the web browsers will no longer be supported for Windows 7 and you may find yourself slowly getting issues with regular web browsing.

Something to consider for later on in the future, if any of that really matters or is of any importance anyways, as there are alternative methods to web browse besides a desktop.

Edited by 0lds0d, 20 February 2024 - 02:04 PM.

Personal preference is 2x8. JMO. Two less ranks is better.

If the 4x4 is a lot cheaper, then go with it.

If these are the  same price, then 2x8.

Edited by 0lds0d, 20 February 2024 - 02:06 PM.