Hello all,
First off my specs.
OS: Windows 7 Pro, 64-bit
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
RAM: 8GB Corsair DDR3 RAM
HDD: 3x Seagate 500GB SATAII
GPU: ATI Radeon 5770
MOBO: MSI 890FXA-GD70

I recently upgraded my RAM from 2x2GB of Kingston DDR3 RAM
(Kingston KVR1333D3N9K2/4G 4GB (2x2GB) 1333MHz DDR3 Dual Channel RAM, 2x240-pin DIMM, Non ECC Unbuffered, 9-9-9-24, 1.5v.)
to 2x4GB Corsair DDR3 RAM
(Corsair 8GB (2x XMS3 4GB) PC-10600 (1333MHz) XMS KIT, DDR3, 2x240-pin DIMMs, DUAL CHANNEL, Non ECC Unbuffered, 9-9-9-24, XMS Heat Spreader, 1.65V)

I haven't really noticed an increase or decrease in performance (although I did get a few BSOD's after installing the new RAM, might just be coincidence) One thing I did notice though was when I used the systemrequirementslab.com website that my 1GB Graphics card now showed only 754MB (before I installed the new RAM it showed 1GB of VRAM). I'm just wondering if I need to change something in the BIOS (I looked but couldn't find any settings to change) or if its just an error on the websites part.
And one other thing would I be able to use both sets of RAM together? Or would it not be worth it? Would the older Kingston RAM just bring everything down? If there is no harm using both I will, otherwise they will just be put in a box with all my other old hardware.

Any hint or tips would be very much appreciated
Thank You,
Dan

See what graphic memory details are shown here (to potentially confirm or deny your initial results):

In control panel, 'Search Control Panel' BOX locate and run 'experience index'.
Select additional LINK ' View and print detailed performance and system information'



I have never liked the impression that my wife's 8GB DDR3 RAM i7 gives when first booting up (when 4GB would simply be more than adequate for her circumstances). It is as if there is seemingly a very noticeable and unexpected configuration delay while all that memory initializes, etc.

Thanks for the reply VopThis,
Under the Graphics Heading in the experience index window this was displayed.

Display adapter type ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series
Total available graphics memory 4863 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 1024 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 3839 MB

Why is there no Dedicated System Memory? Is this normal?
Also when you said you don't like the impression your wifes PC gives when booting up, does that mean you feel that it wouldn't be worth using the old RAM as well?
Thanks again,
Dan

does that mean you feel that it wouldn't be worth using the old RAM as well?

Do your present computing needs actually currently benefit from or require an abundance of graphics memory resources - 4863 MB? If not, there is no good convincing reason to go to a total of 12GB RAM no matter how good the specs.


As I have observed, most users will never consistently need more than 2GB RAM – so 4GB is often more than enough. See here how your memory is actually apportioned into four (4) categories:

http://www.d-a-l.com/help/windows-7-...nsistency.html

That clears it up for me, thanks VopThis, you help is appreciated. I think I'll just stick with the 8GB I have and banish the old RAM to the box of misfits.
Thanks Again,
Kind Regards,
Dan.
Mods can close this thread when ready.

When increasing ram the biggest increase in performance would be if you where actually using all the physical ram that you already had which I highly doubt. The other consideration would be if you got faster ram which you didn't so I'm not surprised that you didn't see an increase in performance.