Question Best RAM for gaming PC

[LekhaRoy]

My PC is currently running on 2GB RAM. Which didn't cause my overly patient soul much pain when I was running it on Windows 7. Sure it took forever to load my games and then lagged like hell but I could still play. But I updated my OS to windows 10 a few weeks ago and now I can hardly even install my games let alone play it.

So I think it's time to finally upgraded my RAM to at least 8 GB. But I don't know where to start.. which one should I buy? Does RAM need to be compatible with my motherboard and graphics card? Will it be safe to buy it online so that I can get it at a cheaper price?

 

[Diddly]

What RAM have you got installed at the moment - Make and Model would be great. Failing that install CPU-Z and provide a screenshot of the SPD tab. The RAM has to be compatible with the motherboard only. If you can provide the make/model of that too that would help also - a screenshot from the mainboard tab in CPU-Z is ok.

 

[LekhaRoy]

What RAM have you got installed at the moment - Make and Model would be great. Failing that install CPU-Z and provide a screenshot of the SPD tab. The RAM has to be compatible with the motherboard only. If you can provide the make/model of that too that would help also - a screenshot from the mainboard tab in CPU-Z is ok.

 

[Sagar_20]

Your motherboard supports max 16 GB DDR3 RAM (8+8) 1600 MHz but since currently you have a 1333 MHz RAM installed, so to match the speed, any 1600 MHz or higher speed RAM will downclock to the speed of lower speed 1333 MHz RAM.

So, it's best to get an 8 GB 1600 MHz stick and throw away the 2 GB. If you want, you can still use 2 + 8, in total 10 GB at 1333 MHz but compatibility isn't guaranteed.

Find your motherboard user manual here

It's always safe to buy online, if you know what you're buying. You want an 8 GB 1600 MHz stick, rated 9-9-9-24 at 1.5 V

 

[LekhaRoy]

Your motherboard supports max 16 GB DDR3 RAM (8+8) 1600 MHz but since currently you have a 1333 MHz RAM installed, so to match the speed, any 1600 MHz or higher speed RAM will downclock to the speed of lower speed 1333 MHz RAM.

So, it's best to get an 8 GB 1600 MHz stick and throw away the 2 GB. If you want, you can still use 2 + 8, in total 10 GB at 1333 MHz but compatibility isn't guaranteed.

Find your motherboard user manual here

It's always safe to buy online, if you know what you're buying. You want an 8 GB 1600 MHz stick, rated 9-9-9-24 at 1.5 V

What if I get a 16 GB 1600 MHz and throw away the 2 GB I'm using right now? Won't it be better?

 

[Sagar_20]

That's even better.

Get a dual channel kit. i.e. 8 GB + 8 GB

Using 2 + 8 isn't necessarily bad, you actually have more RAM so you could do things that's not possible with 8 GB, but since 8 GB RAM is already sufficient for most uses cases. i doubt if you would even see any difference.

Also, it limits the upgradability. If you wish to upgrade beyond 10 GB, you will eventually have to remove the 2 GB Stick, but if you want more RAM, keep using 10 GB.

Practically, there is little difference between 1333 MHz and 1600 MHz.

 

[LekhaRoy]

So I'm

That's even better.

Get a dual channel kit. i.e. 8 GB + 8 GB

Using 2 + 8 isn't necessarily bad, you actually have more RAM so you could do things that's not possible with 8 GB, but since 8 GB RAM is already sufficient for most uses cases. i doubt if you would even see any difference.

Also, it limits the upgradability. If you wish to upgrade beyond 10 GB, you will eventually have to remove the 2 GB Stick, but if you want more RAM, keep using 10 GB.

Practically, there is little difference between 1333 MHz and 1600 MHz.

So I'm thinking of buying a 8GB 1600MHz RAM for now and then get another 8GB 1600 MHz in the future. I have a tight budget for now. Which brand should I go for?

 

[Sagar_20]

Whichever costs the least and meets the speed, timing and voltage requirement.

Prices can vary depending on brand, design and specifications.

If you want the best, look for G.Skill Ripjaws X (1600 Mhz)
It has the best design, performance and comes with 10 years warranty.

Make sure not to buy laptop RAM!

 

[LekhaRoy]

Whichever costs the least and meets the speed, timing and voltage requirement.

Prices can vary depending on brand, design and specifications.

If you want the best, look for G.Skill Ripjaws X (1600 Mhz)
It has the best design, performance and comes with 10 years warranty.

Make sure not to buy laptop RAM!

What about Corsair? That one has over 400 reviews on it and it's rating is 4.5 out of 5. And G.Skill has 74 reviews and 4.6 rating out of 5.

 

[Diddly]

Your system is dual channel - so it's best to get 2 identical RAM sticks (2x4GB or 2x8GB) - I would go for 2x4GB unless you need a ton of RAM. As for RAM speed go for DDR3 1600MHz. Hope this helps. I have corsair RAM on my current PC and G.SKill in my old PC. they're both really good!!

 

[Diddly]

this kit might be ok: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/team...hannel-kit-tpkd38g1600hc11dc01-my-033-tg.html