[SOLVED] adding/switching/upgrading RAM

[KiwiMuncher]

Hello there and thanks for taking the time to help me out!

So I've recently been considering buying another 8gb stick of RAM for my desktop as I currently have only one measly 8gb stick.

My desktop:

https://www.amazon.com/SkyTech-ArchAngel-Gaming-Computer-Quad-Core/dp/B077QDM2DP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2V1LMPV8G5WN3&dchild=1&keywords=skytech+archangel+gaming+pc&qid=1585041077&sprefix=skytech+ar%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-3 (Yes I know this was not a smart purchase, it was my first time...)

At the moment, my current preinstalled RAM stick is the GeIL Evo Potenza 8gb DDR4 2400 PC4 19200 Link to my RAM (they are the same product except for color, concerns about color are addressed later in post):

https://www.newegg.com/geil-16gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820158229

https://www.amazon.com/GeIL-POTENZA-288-Pin-Desktop-GPR416GB2400C16DC/dp/B01EWBFZSE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E4BWXUNUDTFV&dchild=1&keywords=geil+evo+potenza+16gb+2x8gb+ddr4-2400+ram&qid=1585039774&s=electronics&sprefix=geil+evo+potenza+16gb+%2Celectronics%2C194&sr=1-1

I've read some reviews both on Newegg (the review here also mentioned that only 1 stick was usable and the other wasn't because of blue screening??) and Amazon and while I'm still considering buying this, some reviews on both websites say that either one or both sticks did not work. Naturally, I'm wondering if buying this is smart for the following 2 reasons:

- I know this RAM stick is slow, so if possible, I'm looking to upgrade to a better brand or type of stick entirely

- I'm afraid that if I do buy this product either one or both of my sticks will not work

Which brings me to my main point. Is it possible to entirely switch RAM stick brands? Can I switch entirely from this GeIL Evo Potenza brand designed by Ryzen to let's say, for example, Corsair?

I'm paranoid about switching because my friend told me the sticks have to match so I'm wondering if I get 2 corsair sticks, if it'll be compatible with my PC.

If possible, what better or similar RAM sticks would be compatible with my current PC?

ASSUMING THE ANSWER IS NO TO THE ABOVE QUESTION(S) PLEASE CONTINUE READING:

If I can't just switch RAM stick brands and I'm stuck with this product, does color matter? My current RAM stick is black which is previewed in Newegg but the exact same product is sold on Amazon in a red color. Not only is Newegg currently out of stock of this black RAM stick, but it's also way more expensive so I don't see much of a choice but to take my chances with Amazon.

I regret not researching desktop specs more before my purchase and I'm learning as I go along.

I'm stuck with this desktop for a while because of money and blah blah you know how it goes so I'm trying to upgrade it as best I can without getting a completely new machine.

Any and all help is welcome! Thanks a lot for reading and helping me out.

 

[thx1138v2]

1. Most definitely buy 2 modules together. Do NOT try to match your existing single module.

2. Look on the motherboard manufacturer's web site, typically the support pages, to find the modules compatible with your motherboard and CPU and buy those.

 

[DrummerManSpike]

The sticks themselves have to 100% match each other when using more than 1 stick. As far as compatibility with other components, your main concern will be with the motherboard. All you have to make sure of is the type of RAM it takes, which appears to be DDR4. As long as whatever new set you get is also DDR4, it will be compatible.

I always recommend getting entirely new sticks, instead of adding a new stick to a pre-existing one. This can cause compatibility issues between the sticks themselves and isn't guaranteed to work, even when adding one that's seemingly the exact same model.

2400 isn't a bad speed, but Ryzen chips usually have their memory sweet spot around 3000-3200. The motherboard in that PC does support memory speeds up to 3200, with the next down being 2933, so I'd definitely recommend 3200. That stick also has a CAS Latency of 16, so if you want faster performance, bumping up to a CL14 rated set would be wise. Keep in mind, this also hikes up the price quite a bit.

What's your budget for this?

 

[Calvin7]

Memory is guaranteed in the form sold. A module sold as a Single Module is only guaranteed to work as a Single Module.

Of course, you can make any combinations you want, and do your own compatibility testing with no guarantees.

 

[KiwiMuncher]

1. Most definitely buy 2 modules together. Do NOT try to match your existing single module.

2. Look on the motherboard manufacturer's web site, typically the support pages, to find the modules compatible with your motherboard and CPU and buy those.

Thanks a lot for the help. I'll make sure to buy a pair instead.

 

[KiwiMuncher]

The sticks themselves have to 100% match each other when using more than 1 stick. As far as compatibility with other components, your main concern will be with the motherboard. All you have to make sure of is the type of RAM it takes, which appears to be DDR4. As long as whatever new set you get is also DDR4, it will be compatible.

I always recommend getting entirely new sticks, instead of adding a new stick to a pre-existing one. This can cause compatibility issues between the sticks themselves and isn't guaranteed to work, even when adding one that's seemingly the exact same model.

2400 isn't a bad speed, but Ryzen chips usually have their memory sweet spot around 3000-3200. The motherboard in that PC does support memory speeds up to 3200, with the next down being 2933, so I'd definitely recommend 3200. That stick also has a CAS Latency of 16, so if you want faster performance, bumping up to a CL14 rated set would be wise. Keep in mind, this also hikes up the price quite a bit.

What's your budget for this?

Thank you for getting back to me with a lot of info. My budget is not really existent but that said I'd like to be spending at most around $300 ish (I'm fairly certain RAM prices don't even go that high but I'd rather be safe).

I'm not sure if I'm actually allowed to ask you this, but do you have any recommendations for good RAM that is compatible with my system? I'm quite new into this game and I'm trying to be as safe as possible. Thanks!

 

[KiwiMuncher]

Memory is guaranteed in the form sold. A module sold as a Single Module is only guaranteed to work as a Single Module.

Of course, you can make any combinations you want, and do your own compatibility testing with no guarantees.

I'll make sure to keep that in mind. Thanks a lot!

 

[DrummerManSpike]

I'm not sure if I'm actually allowed to ask you this,

You're always allowed to ask as many questions as you'd like! Recommendations too. That's why the forum exists 👍
The only real major rule here regarding questions is that, if you have multiple unrelated questions, to post them separately in their proper respective threads.

I've narrowed down a PCPartPicker list of options with the recommended criteria. All definitely within your budget, $125 - $210 (sometimes they'll go on sale, check their price histories to try to find a trend). They're limited to sets with a 5-star review average, but you can change this as well as any other filters on the left hand side as you see fit.

If that were my budget, I would definitely go for an RGB set, as they will be visible from that case's side panel. However, if your case is positioned in a way that you wont be looking in through the side, go for the non-RGB equivalent. RGB definitely adds to the cost, so you'll be saving some cash if you don't intend to have it visible.

 

[KiwiMuncher]

You're always allowed to ask as many questions as you'd like! Recommendations too. That's why the forum exists 👍
The only real major rule here regarding questions is that, if you have multiple unrelated questions, to post them separately in their proper respective threads.

I've narrowed down a PCPartPicker list of options with the recommended criteria. All definitely within your budget, $125 - $210 (sometimes they'll go on sale, check their price histories to try to find a trend). They're limited to sets with a 5-star review average, but you can change this as well as any other filters on the left hand side as you see fit.

If that were my budget, I would definitely go for an RGB set, as they will be visible from that case's side panel. However, if your case is positioned in a way that you wont be looking in through the side, go for the non-RGB equivalent. RGB definitely adds to the cost, so you'll be saving some cash if you don't intend to have it visible.

Wow! Thank you so much for doing this for me! I greatly appreciate it. This might be too much, but among those you recommended do you have any that you could isolate as sort of "cream of the crop"?

 

[DrummerManSpike]

Well, based purely on review count, the G.Skill Flare X. It's got the most positive reviews out of them all, both on PCPartPicker as well as Newegg, making it one of the most popular options. However while it looks cool from the side, it doesn't look all that great from the top, which is how it will be looked at when installed. The T-Force Dark Pro looks much better visually, and still has plenty of great reviews.

I personally have the Flare X in my system, and it runs great! Not too great to look at, but my priority was performance (it was also on sale for $20 off when I got it).

For RGB, either the G.Skill Triden Z RGB (not Royal) or the Corsair Vengeance RGB. That would depend entirely on if you think the Vengeance's looks and iCue compatibility are worth $50 more than the Trident. Between those two I'd personally go for the Trident.

All in all, it's pretty much dependent on what looks the nicest in your eyes. All of the options in the list are very solid. I like dark gray / black colors for my RAM, but you could be different. Maybe red is your favorite color! The red G.Skill Trident Z would be your best option if so.

 

[KiwiMuncher]

Well, based purely on review count, the G.Skill Flare X. It's got the most positive reviews out of them all, both on PCPartPicker as well as Newegg, making it one of the most popular options. However while it looks cool from the side, it doesn't look all that great from the top, which is how it will be looked at when installed. The T-Force Dark Pro looks much better visually, and still has plenty of great reviews.

I personally have the Flare X in my system, and it runs great! Not too great to look at, but my priority was performance (it was also on sale for $20 off when I got it).

For RGB, either the G.Skill Triden Z RGB (not Royal) or the Corsair Vengeance RGB. That would depend entirely on if you think the Vengeance's looks and iCue compatibility are worth $50 more than the Trident. Between those two I'd personally go for the Trident.

All in all, it's pretty much dependent on what looks the nicest in your eyes. All of the options in the list are very solid. I like dark gray / black colors for my RAM, but you could be different. Maybe red is your favorite color! The red G.Skill Trident Z would be your best option if so.

When I click on the G.Skill Flare X, there is no Amazon link so I went there directly and looked it up and found this:
https://www.amazon.com/G-SKILL-Flare-288-Pin-Memory-F4-3200C14D-16GFX/dp/B06XFT7DF9/ref=sr_1_3?crid=P991XWOPGJ52&dchild=1&keywords=gskill+flare+x+16gb+ddr4-3200+cl14&qid=1585092908&sprefix=G+Skill+Flare+x,aps,179&sr=8-3
Is this the same one as the one in the list you gave me and is it also compatible with my system?

Another thing I'm concerned about is timing. My current timing is something very similar to I think 16-16-16-(something). The link above is 14-14-14-34 so I'm wondering if it's alright.

I don't think I'll be using RGB this time. I'm leaning towards performance atm

Thanks a ton!

 

[DrummerManSpike]

Yes, they're the same one. Model # F4-3200C14D-16GFX

Timing is pretty much exclusive to memory, and can be manually changed through overclock settings. Those are just the default values. The MHz rating, latency, voltage, pretty much most if not all stats for RAM can be changed to fit what you need. However it's pretty tricky to find a 100% stable combination, so getting RAM that defaults at the preferred values is the way I like to go. Just make sure to enable an XMP profile to get the full 3200MHz, otherwise it will default to a lower value.

The RGB sticks will show pretty much the same performance, it's just pricier to have RGB as opposed to not having it. I initially wanted it but decided to save some cash.

 

[KiwiMuncher]

If you don't mind me asking, what is an XMP profile? Is it an application I install on my computer after I install the RAM? Thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.

 

[DrummerManSpike]

XMP is done through BIOS, and will be part of the overclocking settings. It's a feature that usually comes with pre-set profiles for the RAM, including speed and timings. Basically an automatic, safe overclocking tool. The profiles included are predefined to be stable for whichever set of RAM you install. Just select the profile with the highest MHz and fastest timing, it should match the RAM's advertised speeds.

 

[KiwiMuncher]

Alright. Once I get the RAM, I'll look up or maybe come back here or to you to find out how to do this XMP thing. Thanks so much for your help! Take care.

 

[DrummerManSpike]

For sure! If you need help navigating the BIOS, here is a link to your motherboard's manual. The 2nd half deals with all the BIOS settings. The pictured layouts might be different but all the options are more or less the same. Good luck!

 

[KiwiMuncher]

For sure! If you need help navigating the BIOS, here is a link to your motherboard's manual. The 2nd half deals with all the BIOS settings. The pictured layouts might be different but all the options are more or less the same. Good luck!

I'll be sure to check it out! Thanks a lot.