Upgrading the ram on my 2yo computer.

Forums › Desktop computing › Upgrading the ram on my 2yo computer.

dman

928 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 25

Topic # 105353 3-Jul-2012 07:32

I'm thinking my computer could do with some extra ram, and as it just keeps on getting cheaper every year... why not?

Currently I have this motherboard:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3478#sp

And this ram:
APACER 2G DDR3-1333MHz CL9
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?item=MEMAPA32048

My OS is the latest LTS of Ubuntu (also have Windows XP on another partition, for when I rarely need to use it. Yes, I am aware XP won't be able to use more than 4gigs but that shouldn't stop me using more than that if I wish to for Ubuntu?).

Would one of these two thus be an appropriate choice for me:

Kingston ValueRam 2GB 1333MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 DIMM
STRONTIUM HYNIX 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 Single Module PC10660 w/ Lifetime Warranty

Or...?

Who I am: multi time Ironman finisher, University of Auckland graduate, Freelancer (mainly focused on website development, message me for work).

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Maximus

30 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 649866 3-Jul-2012 09:03

Hi,
You will need to install 64bit Ubuntu once you go beyond 3Gig of RAM if you haven't already.

I can't say whether that RAM is suitable or not.

Cheers

alexx

601 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 38

Reply # 649903 3-Jul-2012 10:11

Maximus: Hi,
You will need to install 64bit Ubuntu once you go beyond 3Gig of RAM if you haven't already.

Or use a 32bit kernel that supports PAE.

#include <standard.disclaimer>

Ragnor

8019 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 384

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 649933 3-Jul-2012 11:11

Basically for dual channel to you want 2 matching sticks (in size, speed, rating/CL) in a channel (channel = pair of two slots).

Also I think you need to avoid odd numbers of ram sticks if you want dual channel to be enabled.

Brand/model doesn't have to match but in rare cases you can get odd problems mixing brands.

Assuming you have just the one 2GB stick currently, either
a) Add a 2nd stick with the same size/speed/rating in the empty slot for the channel
OR
b) Buy a 2x2GB or 2x4GB kit and sell your existing 2GB on trademe or donate to a family/friend's machine

See page ~16 of the manual pdf
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-ma785g(p)mt-ud(s)2h_e.pdf

Looks like PBTech have some cheap GSkill kits eg: 2x4GB and 2x2GB.

stevenz

2760 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 115

Reply # 652028 6-Jul-2012 18:06

alexx:
Maximus: Hi,
You will need to install 64bit Ubuntu once you go beyond 3Gig of RAM if you haven't already.

Or use a 32bit kernel that supports PAE.

Pretty sure the current default Ubuntu kernel has for a while.

Compare prices between Ascent, PBTech and Computerlounge. IMO they're the best options around. Ascent don't charge for shipping so take that into account.

Just get a 2x4GB kit, it's pretty cheap and you'll never need to upgrade it again.

@KnightNZ

dman

928 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 25

Reply # 661140 24-Jul-2012 17:11

I ended up just getting another cheap 2gig stick, although the full 4gigs is not getting recognised just yet.... so got to get PAE sorted. (although I'm using the standard most recent LTS)

Who I am: multi time Ironman finisher, University of Auckland graduate, Freelancer (mainly focused on website development, message me for work).

twitter.com/TersoIT