The probably most annoying question ever... But I need help :(

[Rattlecaster]

Hello there!

I'm not the most experienced when it comes to computer hardware, especially not RAM!!!

I currently have 2x2gb 1600mhz modules running in dual channel mode. I want to upgrade to 8gb since I keep getting sporadic frame drops in games like Crysis 3 and such.

Now I know what you must be thinking! "This guy's gpu probably needs to be replaced," but worry not! I've just saved up my pennies and got myself an MSI GTX 970 4g Twin Frozr 😀!!

The card is great!!! And there's no performance drop from it... yet! I know this since I have thoroughly monitored my gpu and cpu (fx8350) when playing these games.
The frame rate will drop sporadically, there are sections where it's more likely to happen in-game but it can happen anywhere.

The reason as to why I blame the amount of RAM I have for this problem is because I highly suspect that it's using the page file since there isn't enough physical memory.


So what I'm asking is:

If I get two more identical modules, will I notice any performance drop?`
I know that there will be differences, but will I notice them? I don't mind as long as there is an improvement in-game.

Specs:

CPU: AMD FX-8350 black edition (not overclocked)
GPU: MSI GTX 970 4g Twin Frozr (not overclocked)
Mobo: asus 5a78l usb 3.0
Ram: 2 x 2gb ddr 1600mhz
psu: 750W

Any help would seriously be really appreciated!!!

-Joshua

 

[NightAntilli]

If your RAM is limited, more RAM will indeed help the issue. It probably is since nowadays 4 GB is really on the low side. To be sure;

Did you monitor your RAM usage during gaming? Was it close to or more than 4GB?

 

[Tradesman1]

You can trry, I'd get a 2x4GB set as there's no guarantee that another 2x2 will even play with your old sticks (even if you get the same exact model)

 

[Rattlecaster]

You can try, I'd get a 2x4GB set as there's no guarantee that another 2x2 will even play with your old sticks (even if you get the same exact model)

You're absolutely right, I have no doubt that 2 x 4gb would be a lot better!! My only problem however is that I only have very little money. (£22 - $33.50 for the sticks)

I watched a video of a person doing ram benchmarks with 4 sticks of ram with the exact same processor as me so yeah, I caved 🙁
I bought a 2 x 2gb kit because of the little money I have, it's an impatient response to a problem that wasn't really doing any damage but I will most definitely post my results on here in case people are thinking about a similar situation as I am and wanted answers.

These results will only stay true with my specifications though, mostly the processor that is.

I'm sure that the results on higher end motherboards would be similar if not better but I will in no way be able to guarantee that!

 

[Rattlecaster]

If your RAM is limited, more RAM will indeed help the issue. It probably is since nowadays 4 GB is really on the low side. To be sure;

Did you monitor your RAM usage during gaming? Was it close to or more than 4GB?

Yeah, it exceeded my overall amount of ram; the applications were thus using my hard drive for virtual memory.

Damned slave labour....