Request Ram Increase Suggestions

I have an i7 920 OCed to 3.60 GHz

My motherboard is EVGA x58 3X SLI with 3 empty memory slots.

My current memory is 3 X 2 GB and is DDR3 1333 Mhz Corsair Dominator DHX

Trying to decide the best approach to increase my RAM allocation.

I am not doing much special and enjoy gaming. My other system specs are in my signature below.

What would the forum members suggest as an optimum memory configuration? Would you toss what I have and start fresh with new memory or expand and make use of the existing RAM cards that I have.

Don't have an immediate issue but thought this would be a good idea to upgrade when I have a few dollars available. I was thinking 24 GB was the max I could run but not sure if it is really 12 GB due to my Motherboard. But doubling my memory to 12 GB would be overkill as it is I think. But 12 GB seems like a reasonable total RAM allocation to shoot for.

Help me with a few ideas of the best way to get to at least 12 GB.

fstcvc thanks for the great advice!

The RAM should auto clock itself, but I'd see if there is a 1600 version for less money as higher clocked RAM is usually priced higher.

Here's some on NewEgg - personally, I'd go for the $120-$130 Mushkin 1600 sticks - no need to overspend!!

I learn a little more everyday about this stuff. I noticed that my BIOS was set at 1067 Mhz for my 1333 Mhz DDR3 memory. It took awhile for me to realize that the BIOS doesn't show real RAM speed but only the ratio based upon the standard CPU BCLOCK of 133Mhz. 1067 is 2:8 and 1333 is 2:10. So you really have to look at your BCLOCK first. My BCLOCK is 180 MHZ with a 20 multiplier for 3.6 Mhz CPU so the 1067 MHZ Memory BIOS setting really means my 1333 MHZ RAM is running at 8 X 180Mhz or 1440 Mhz.

So this means if I replaced my Ram with new 1600 MHZ RAM I would have to choose between 1067 Mhz which is really 1440 Mhz or 1333 MHZ which would really be 1800 Mhz

Makes me wonder if I really ought to go with 2000 Mhz DDR3 RAM and set the BIOS to 1333 Mhz so that it would be 1800 Mhz RAM timing .

Of course if I match the BIOS to the RAM speed of 1600 Mhz then the real speed is 180 X 12 which would be 2160. Maybe 1600 Mhz BIOS would then be just about right for 2000 Mhz RAM

All so confusing to old people like me in their 60's.


Edited by Onkel_Ken - 22 Feb 2014 at 3:51pm

That sounds way too confusing.

I would just get the ram sticks that match your mobo, as was discussed, set it up in Bios if it doesn't auto clock, and then use CPU-Z to check the actual speed. The memory tab in CPU-Z will display your speed next to dram frequency. Note....The speed displayed is half the actual speed so just double it. The DDR is double data rate and CPU-Z displays the base.

Edited by bprat22 - 25 Feb 2014 at 3:08am

I went ahead and went overkill and bought Corsair Vengeance® — 12GB Triple Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ12GX3M3A2000C10) I am going to try to run it at 10 x CPU clock of 180 MHZ which is 1800 MHz. It is that or 8 or 12 times CPU clock. One is too slow and the other maybe too fast. Should get it in a few days from Newegg and have it up and running shortly after that.

I know that BF4 seems to peak over 5 GB of memory now when I play it. I have heard that BF4 can use quite a bit more at times. Shouldn't' I guess but it does.

The 12 GB ought to hold me for awhile.