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Need to add 4GB RAM to my DDR3 (Currently have 3x4GB)

580 views 9 replies 3 participants last post by  crjdriver  
#1 ·
I Need to add RAM to my X58 Motherboard. Currently have (3) 4GB sticks running in triple mode. Is it ok to add a single 4GB stick to make it 16GB total? I have read a lot (too much) about maintaining double/triple mode but it confusing.

I just need to add 4 GB to my system for an HD editing video editing software. Trying not to spend too much. But if I have to add 2 or 3 sticks to my system in order for it to run faster I will.

I just need some concrete answers from an expert. I have attached 3 pictures. One showing my system specs, one showing my current RAM sticks and one showing my RAM slots in the PC.

Any help will be greatly appreciated
Thanks!
 

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#2 · (Edited)
cpu.JPG


Your computer has a legacy Intel processor with this performance rating.
Increasing the amount of RAM from 12 GB to 16 GB is probably not going to improve speed or performance.

The 4 GB modules your computer has appear to be DDR3-1333(PC3-10600) speed.
Because of the limitation of the processor, they're probably running at a slower DDR3-1066(PC3-8500) speed.

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#5 ·
View attachment 277971

Your computer has this legacy Intel processor with this performance rating.
Increasing the amount of RAM from 12 GB to 16 GB is probably not going to improve speed or performance.

The 4 GB modules your computer has appear to be DDR3-1333(PC3-10600) speed.
Because of the limitation of the processor, they're probably running at a slower DDR3-1066(PC3-8500) speed.

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Hi and thank you for your help. Is 3034 and bad performance rating? If so, what should it be?

Also, as I wrote to crjdriver below here are the details of what I am trying to accomplish. Can you recommend if this is a good plan or is there another route I should explore (without spending a bundle).

These requirements include:
  • A 64 bit operating system as detailed in the ReadMe file and configuration guide
  • A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended, 32GB if using Fusion
  • An NVIDIA, AMD or Intel GPU with a minimum of 2GB of VRAM that supports versions greater than either supports Metal, OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 10. (CUDA compute 3.0)
  • A modern quad core CPU or greater

Regards,
 
#3 ·
Post the exact motherboard you are running. Some boards will use triple channel ram for the 3 chips and map the extra ram as single channel. Again we need to know the exact board AND any ver# [if used]
 
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#4 ·
Hello and thank you for your help. See attached screenshot. Also, the main thing I am trying to achieve is better performance to be able to properly run my video editing software (BlackMagic Divinci Resolve 16). I am using now and it performs fine during editing but when I go to render the video it crashes my computer. The research and instruction from their forum suggests that I need minimum 16GB of RAM (currently have 12) and an upgrade on my Graphics card. Currently have a Nvidia GeForce GT 430 and want to replace it with a AMD RX570 8GB. The minimum specs recommended by the Divinci website are listed below.

These requirements include:
  • A 64 bit operating system as detailed in the ReadMe file and configuration guide
  • A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended, 32GB if using Fusion
  • An NVIDIA, AMD or Intel GPU with a minimum of 2GB of VRAM that supports versions greater than either supports Metal, OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 10. (CUDA compute 3.0)
  • A modern quad core CPU or greater
 

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#6 ·
You can add the single memory chip. Install it as shown on page 2-7 of the manual. Note it is not going to give you the greatest performance like that however it will work.
Next.
Currently have a Nvidia GeForce GT 430 and want to replace it with a AMD RX570 8GB.
That may or may not work. You have a legacy bios and all modern video cards need a uefi bios to run. Sometimes the card mfg will include a legacy switch and or a dual bios so you can run it on old hardware. I have a 580 in my bench system and that card has a legacy switch [XFX brand] Not all of the cards have this option. It really is hit and miss whether or not it will work. For the best chance of working, flash the motherboard bios to the latest one [which is now 9yr old] That would give you the best chance of running a modern video card.
 
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#8 ·
If it were me, I would install three 8gig matched chips for a total of 24gig in triple channel [removing the existing ram]
As to your question, it depends. If the program you are attempting to run needs 16gig of ram, then yes the performance will be better. If the program is not using most of your ram, then no it is not going to be anything noticeable.

Just my opinion however you are fighting an uphill battle attempting to use eleven yr old hardware to run a modern program. Up to you IF you want to attempt it. You [probably] are going to be limited in what video card you can install; again it is hit and miss; with the price of modern video cards, that is a lot of money to waste IF it does not work.
 
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#9 ·
Again, very helpful information. I really appreciate it.

One final question - would it make sense to keep my PC shell and replace the motherboard for something more current? Or is that getting into something more involved that isn't worth it? Or, do I look to replace the computer all together for something more recent?
 
#10 ·
You would need a modern motherboard, processor, and ram. No modern board is going to support you existing processor and ram.
Right now many parts are either in short supply OR just out of stock due to the virus. So the prices are pretty high.
 
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