6GB 1066Mhz or 4GB 1333Mhz

[gheed]

For gaming, DAW use, music, movies, downloading and internet. Sometimes running a few things at once. Opinions?

Also the 6GB will be dual channel, 4GB will not.

 

[IH8U]

What OS are you using? If it's 32bit, the 4GB is all it can see anyway. If 64bit get the 6GB (weird there are great prices for 8GB kits), if using an AMD based system get 8GB instead.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424
$45 G.Skill Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333

or if you prefer gaming RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231417
$49 G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (this is a steal btw) free shipping

 

[gheed]

Sorry, it's for a laptop. It comes with 3GB 1066Mhz, so the option is to either replace the 1GB module with 4GB to take it to 6GB, or just get a 4GB 1333Mhz module on its own.

And yeah it will be 64 bit.

 

[gheed]

Apparently the i3-380M supports 1066Mhz best... Don't know exactly how the whole matching RAM with CPU thing works but I guess it answers my question at least!

 

[IH8U]

Well newegg has an 8GB DDR3 1066 set for $45. I didn't know it was for a laptop, srry.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226021
$45 Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model 996644
(has a $10 MIR too)

 

[photonboy]

I've done extensive reading and testing of how much RAM provides a benefit.

You really do not need more RAM than you are using now.

The only thing I'm certain of is your RAM configuration. RAM in laptops should be dual channel with RAM exactly paired. For example 4GB should be 2x2GB. You only get HALF the speed out of your RAM if it's not paired properly. That would likely only be an issue for a video game, and it still might not be an issue on your system.

Summary:
I don't think adding more RAM would be noticeable to you. If you decide to do so then get paired RAM. 2x2GB (4GB) is plenty.

 

[gheed]

I went with the 6GB, I'll try and run some tests to see if it's running dual channel next week. I'll test it with the 4GB only, then put both modules in and test 6GB. I know the difference will only be negligible but I assume I'll be able to tell with benchmarks and games.

Also photonboy, you mention that if the memory isn't paired properly I'll "only get half the speed". I really don't think it's a case of dual channel speed = single channel speed x2. I'm really just shuffling deckchairs here and being a bit pedantic with getting the best out of my new laptop!