Wanting to increase my total ram


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
       #1

    Wanting to increase my total ram


    Just got a new pc, i7-870 and it has 4 slots, only 2 are used. Ram is DDR3 pc3-10600 (cpuz shows it as pc3-10700) so 1333ghz I believe. Mainboard is an HP 304Bh and I'm wondering if I can just install ONE 4gb stick that is also a ddr3 pc3-10600 or will I need to get 2x2gb? I'm not entirely tech savy but I saw something about dual channels and that blank channel could lead to issues.

    Using that crucial memory upgrade scanner, it says 4GB DDR3 PC3-12800 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.35V 512Meg x 64. Case in point it says pc3-12800 and not 10600. Can someone also inform me about that too? Always thought the specs had to be exact for it to match otherwise it will just downgrade it's speed. Thanks!

    PS: PC can support up to 16gb, and its 64 bit windows 10 if it matters.

    Be great if I could just slap a 4gb stick in (so its 2/2/4/blank slot) as it's cheaper than getting 2x2gb. Don't have a budget to really use but I need more ram for gaming and the like.

    Sorry if this isn't in the right sub-forum, I looked around and this one seemed the best bet. Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 703
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #2

    Am I correct in saying you currently have a 2x2GB kit for a total of 4GB installed and you are looking to increase that to 8GB total?

    If so, then my advice would be to buy 2x4GB kit and to sell the current 2x2GB on ebay. RAM is dirt cheap and the extra $ you pay for the 2x4GB is minimal, plus you'll be getting a little back from ebay too.

    Edit: And welcome to the forum :)
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,255
    Windows 10 Pro
       #3

    In theory any combination of compatible RAM should work. But in the real world things don't always work that way. Mismatches between module size, specifications, and even manufacturer can sometimes have unpredictable results. Using matched modules provides the best reliability.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,264
    Windows 10 (19045.3154)
       #4

    PC3-10600 has the speed of 1333MHz and PC3-12800 @1600MHz, You won't notice any difference between them, so I would suggest you to get PC3-10600 but your MB is compatible with higher speed RAM(ie: 1600MHz).
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks for all the replies! I'll look around to see if I can find some 2x4gb sticks in my budget but nice to know my pc will still work if I can't lol. I've heard that if you get ram, you also have to make sure it comes in the same 'box' as the others ie a 2x2gb and another 2x2gb wouldn't work as well as a 4x2gb as I read they are all matched exactly when packaged together. I'm not into any graphic design and competitive gaming so a slight hiccup here and there isn't an issue. Thanks again!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 13,896
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #6

    I go with 2 modules the same/matched in a pair of slots, can use a different capacity pair in a second pair of slots, for example 2 x 2GB is one pair of slots and 2 x 1GB in the other pair of slots for 6GB, running a computer that way nowl. The slots are usually of a color for one pair and a different color for the other pair. Sometimes it works if a pair have the chips on both sides and the other pair has chips only on one side but I wouldn't count on that always being true, keep them totally matched.

    I get most of my RAM from Crucial and they will list a Kit of 2 modules, best way to get them. If wanting to fill 4 slots I get 2 of the same kits. But then getting all 4 of the same part/stock number also works just fine.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Berton said:
    I go with 2 modules the same/matched in a pair of slots, can use a different capacity pair in a second pair of slots, for example 2 x 2GB is one pair of slots and 2 x 1GB in the other pair of slots for 6GB, running a computer that way nowl. The slots are usually of a color for one pair and a different color for the other pair. Sometimes it works if a pair have the chips on both sides and the other pair has chips only on one side but I wouldn't count on that always being true, keep them totally matched.

    I get most of my RAM from Crucial and they will list a Kit of 2 modules, best way to get them. If wanting to fill 4 slots I get 2 of the same kits. But then getting all 4 of the same part/stock number also works just fine.

    Yea my old ancient PC I had to skip slots to match so it was like 1x1x, newer comp has them color coded and paired together so its 11xx, makes it a lot easier
      My Computer


 

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