Memory Upgrade for (I3-2120) Dell Vostro

[DaleNobody]

Hi everyone,

I'd like to get the best performance out of the Dell Vostro 260 with 64 bit Windows 7. The stock memory is DDR3 PC3-10600. I like to play games like Dark souls, Borderlands 2, Skyrim, BF3, etc. I'd like to get the best performance without compromising my tiny 300w PSU.

What are my performance limitations on RAM selection?

Is it better to get sticks with heat sinks?

I am thinking about getting either the Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT51264BA1339 or the Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3N9K2/8G (whatever goes on sale first).

Crucial's webiste reccomended DDR3 PC3-12800 - Crucial%27s]http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=F3360F9EA5CA7304]Crucial%27s

Will a GPU upgrade make up for the lack of RAM that I have or do I need both?

I also posted a question in the GPU section of Tom's Hardware forums about a GPU upgrade for the same Dell Vostro 260.

 

[Xttony]

You need both the ram and the gpu for games.
How many memory slots do you have and how much ram frequency is supported by your dell motherboard?
If you have two ram slots then this set will be the best. Low timings means better speed.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148485

 

[DaleNobody]

Wow Xttony,

You are everywhere. I will put those sticks on my NewEgg.com wishlist for future price drops. A BIG Thanks for helping me on both sides of this Dell Vostro Upgrade. With all of this new gear I'm looking at, I'll be able to improve my system to the performance level that I was looking for.

 

[Xttony]

I think They will be discontinued soon as already there are less 1333MHz sticks in the market. And it is probably the best card you can buy at 1333MHz?
Here are some other cards (don't really know how I missed them previously)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231402 $53
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231440 $53

Both patriot and G.Skill are almost equal in performance, so it doesn't matter which one you pick.

 

[DaleNobody]

I think They will be discontinued soon as already there are less 1333MHz sticks in the market. And it is probably the best card you can buy at 1333MHz?
Here are some other cards (don't really know how I missed them previously)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231402 $53
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231440 $53

Both patriot and G.Skill are almost equal in performance, so it doesn't matter which one you pick.

Thanks Xttony,


I ended up purchasing the Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333.

They were on sale and I saw that the DDR1333 attribute looked compatible. They are installed and I'm not sure they are performing like they should. I guess I'll have to give it awhile...

...Do you think I made a bad call?... Do these sticks seem compatible to you?

 

[DaleNobody]

Best answer selected by DaleNobody.