Can I get some RAM help/advice?

If you're still on ddr3 ram, you should worry more about your cpu than the amount of ram you have.

that's a dual channel platform, not triple channel.
using 3 sticks of ram instead of 2 or 4 could cause problems or decrease performance.

generally "timings" mean the waiting time in clock cycles before the ram is ready to execute commands sent by the processor.
lower timings are better and faster in general. however in most cases this advantage is only relevant when benchmarking, not in daily use or gaming.

i would get the cheaper ones with 1600 mhz.

i still have two 8gb sticks 1600mhz in my i7 4770K system and they're doing just fine.
no need for more than that on an old platform like this.
they're 9-9-9-24 as well. curious...

Getting another 16GB of DDR3 isn't really a good idea. By the time you need that 24GB for gaming, your CPU will be so outdated that you won't be able to play at a comfortable framerate anyway.

IMO you should just get another 8GB stick and raise it to 16, then start saving up money for a complete upgrade of the CPU, RAM, and motherboard, for example next year after Intel and AMD release their new generations.

The CAS latency is one of the things that determine RAM speed, the lower the better. AFAIK CPUs using DDR3 don't really get impacted by them so much though. When you get 2 memory sticks that have different timings (and frequency), the motherboard will automatically reduce them to match the slower stick. If you have pretty slow RAM at the moment (you can check with CPU-Z or many other hardware monitors) there's no point in spending extra for faster memory.

If you do decide to get 24GB in 3 8GB sticks, know that 16GB will run in "dual-channel" mode, while 8GB will be "single-channel". Dual-channel is faster, and often there is a noticeable difference in games, so if there is a case when you're maxing out your memory, you will notice it will get slower.

You'd be better off just getting another identical stick or replacing it entirely with a new 2x8 kit, having 3 sticks is not a good idea, nor is 24gb gonna help you more than 16.

https://aliexpress.com/item/32931429887.html
cheap RAM for your old boy :)

How Much RAM Do Gamers Need? 8GB vs. 16GB vs. 32GB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcJI5H3fQlE

8GB(1x8GB) vs 8GB(2x4GB) vs 16GB(2x8GB) vs 32GB(4x8GB) - Test in 10 Games | 1080p
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHLjOUmuNUc

Just download it.

https://downloadmoreram.com/index.html

thats not a good idea mate replace them with 2x8GB dual channel you dont need more than that :)

I can advise on that:

-No use aiming for single 16GB stick, since by the time you want to upgrade again, you'll better off getting a new MOBO and CPU that supports DDR4.
-Since your MOBO suports until 2800+(OC) on dual channel, a single stick would not be any advantage.
-You want to aim for the best frequency, but keep in mind, that 2800OC will probably not give you any advantage. In my opinion, I repeat, in MY opinion,I would go for a plain 1600/1866? (i saw on the site, you linked... but i dont really 1866 recall this frequency on DDR3, but if it's the best nonOC for DD3 go for it :) ) or if you really want to overclock, just go to 2133(OC)/2400(tops)(don't buy power you will probably not gonna use)
-Aim for lowest latency, i think on dd3 a CL of 9 was good... Well CL doesn't really matter, no matter what crazy game hardcore people tell you :)
-DON'T BUY NEW. You will get NO advantage on buying a NEW pair of DD3 memories when you can buy 1/3 the price 2 sticks of 8GBs from someone that is upgrading his buit to DDR4(one day that person , will probably be you!)
-You dont need 24GB of ram!!
-If you want to use your old 2x4GB, buy a cheap pair of 2x8GB or 2x4GB, and use the new ones with the old ones. Just remember, if your old memory clock as a maximum of like 1600MHz, all the other DDR DIMMS you stick there will lower their clocks to match those 1600Mhz. So, no use on getting super duper 6000MHz memories if you are going to use them with the old ones that only go at maximum 1600 :)
-Like @blando up here said... just download it :) https://downloadmoreram.com/index.html

Yep. 8 gigs is going to be a issue if you have 50+ tabs open on a regular basis and don't restart your browser.

Hell, that's going to be a problem if you have 80 gigs. All the browsers with open tabs are prone to memory leaks and javascript BS with mainstream websites. If you're a tab hoarder like me, browser restarts are an unfortunate necessity.

I run two browsers. One for my main library of tabs that I close down if a game needs the memory space. Another that I use if I need a guide or something to alt-tab to while in a memory intensive game.

If you can get cheap DDR3 ram (consider used with warranty), great. I'd shoot for getting another 2x4gig sticks @ 1600. I wouldn't worry about CAS timings too much. But I really wouldn't spend more that $50 USD. You're better off saving that money toward a new system or a new GPU. If you can live with 8gigs, even better.

In all honestly, I think 8 gigs is enough for most people (Edit: I do recommend 16gigs for /new/ builds if budget allows). Tabaholics (like me) may feel the limitation, but that's easily remedied by better tab management or multiple browsers for different kinds of browsing tasks. TBH, I just don't think you'd feel $100 worth of performance increase by moving to 16gigs of faster ram.

There is no point in jumping to 24GB if it's solely for gaming and mundane tasks. If you have 4 slots for memory on your motherboard, you can just get another 2x4GB.

You'll want to try and get the exact same model memory you already have if possible, simply to ensure compatibility and avoid the risk of system crashes. It's not a guarantee using other memory will cause system instability, but it is still a risk.

That said, in terms of timing and frequency, again, try and match what you currently have. If you get faster speeds, the system will downclock the memory to match the lowest value memory, so getting faster memory than what's in it is pointless unless you completely want to replace what's in it.

Overall though, I'd personally advise just getting 2x8GB sticks and replacing what you currently have. Yes, it'll cost a bit more, but... Then you're not at risk of stability issues.

Now all that said, if you want some understanding of frequencies and latency, hopefully this info helps a bit.

Frequency (i.e: 1600Mhz)

Consider this the bandwidth buffer? It's how large of a chunk of data can be transferred at once. You can figure out the actual data size with the following calculation.

Frequency x 8 = Transfer Bandwidth
1600 x 8 = 12,800 MB/s

Edit: Do note, you don't have to calculate the transfer rate yourself at all times. Although not clearly indicated, when you shop, it often shows it without actually telling you what it is. Example.

https://www.newegg.ca/g-skill-8gb-240-pin-ddr3-sdram/p/N82E16820231428

You'll see it says "DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)" the 12800 is indicating 12,800 MB/s.

Timings (i.e: 9 - 9 - 9 - 24)

This is basically determining the time between which the memory can perform operations. Honestly, in a lot of cases it makes very little difference. The major thing you'll want to note is the number listed as CAS Latency, then you can figure out the time between operations with the following equation.

CAS x 2000 / Frequency = Time Between Operations
i.e: 9 x 2000 / 1600 = 11.25ns (nanoseconds)

Honestly, frequency is the more important factor imo. Doesn't hurt to get memory with quicker timings, it may help in some tasks or games, but most the time you'll notice very little difference since it's already performing operations at insanely fast intervals. Also be sure to always opt for 2 sticks (i.e: 2x8GB) of dual channel over 1 stick (i.e: 1x16GB) for the simple fact having two allows them to each operate off their own bandwidth buffer and operation intervals, essentially doubling their effectiveness. This won't translate to double the fps gain from memory, but it will reduce issues with stuttering, and possibly reduce the drop for 1% lows.

Hope all that helps and wasn't too confusing.

In your case... I'd get 2x8gb sticks from a second-hand site.. Replace - and sell your old ones on the same site.

Not worth spending too much on such old hardware. And I'm not saying that to be elitist :p
I'm in the exact same spot, swinging my dig bick:

• MSI Z77A-G43 ATX
• I5 3570K 3,4Ghz
• G.Skill 8GB (2x4096MB) CL11 2133Mhz Ripjaws Gaming
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB OC

8 years and counting... 🤞

View attached image.

if you can match your curent ram spec for a cheap price go for 24 GB if not just go for faster lower cas 16 GB and sell your old ones , also don`t buy new :)

I am also using a 3570K with 8GB of RAM. I was considering upgrading to 16GB in the past, but decided against it because I don't feel it is worth it. I have never needed more than 8GB so far, but I also don't play many modern AAA games. If you plan on playing a demanding game that requires over 8GB of RAM, the CPU will probably be the weak link since it is only 4 cores and threads. I don't think performance will improve much with more RAM.

I have 2x4GB now and if I was going to upgrade, I would get another 2x4GB kit of the same RAM since that would be the most compatible and cheapest and there is really no need to go over 16GB total on a 3570K. I don't think I will get more than another 2 years before I need to upgrade to a new CPU, RAM, and motherboard, so it feels like a waste of money to buy more RAM for a system that will need to be replaced soon, especially since I don't feel limited by the 8GB.

If you really want to upgrade, it is best to run all the same RAM. Mixing different types of RAM can cause issues. I would find out what RAM you have in the computer now and get an identical 2x4GB kit to bring you up to 16GB (same manufacturer, speed, timings). If you can't find out what RAM you have or that specific RAM is too expensive or not available to purchase, then I would get a 16GB kit. I would go with 1600 mhz since it will be the most compatible, cheapest, and you probably won't notice any improvement from going faster than 1600 on 3rd gen Intel. If you want to run over 1600 mhz, you need to make sure those speeds are supported by your motherboard. For timing, lower numbers are faster, but it is not worth spending a lot of extra money to get slightly faster timings. This is what I use. If you are going to buy 16GB, it will probably be a little cheaper to get a 2x8GB kit.

You can get oem samsung/nanya/hynix on ebay 2x4GB ddr3 for ~25$. That should be more than enough upgrade for that pc.

A quick and dirty equation for a standard DDR desktop is:

RAM speed / Latency = x

and then pick the highest number. So for example 1600/12 and 1333/10 both = 133.3(ish) so would provide roughly the same performance, in which case you can just buy the cheapest/prettiest/whatever. This presumes you're using a normal GPU, if you have an APU then base speed is more important than a little extra latency,

And yes as others have said, dual channel means you need a matching pair of sticks, any random extra 4gb sticks you keep will run slower to the point they're worthless. Buying a 2x8gb set and getting whatever pennies you can for your 4gb sticks (ebay/secondhand shops/whatever) would be the way to go.

GL with it, sorry for the wall of text ♥

I have 2x4gb DDR 3 RAM laying around in my cupboard, If i Recall correctly. I'll Check when im Back Home.
If my Mind ist playing Tricks on me, i could send those Sticks to you.

EDIT: Just checked. My mind did deceive me, but in a good way. It's 2x8GB, 9-9-9-24 1333mhz. If you're interested, feel free to add me on steam

It's funny that you posted this yesterday when I myself upgrated my RAM the day before that :P After some reading up on the whole RAM thing, and finding out what my motherboard even supports, I just decided to add just another 2x4gb of the same RAM I already had installed. Seemed the safest bet for an amateur like me ^^
Sure, my whole gig is worth upgrading at this point but eh, that's too much reading up on stuff that I'm not yet ready to do :D

What graphics card do you have? Can't be a lot. You can get some more ram but you know it's just a bandaid for now, for a problem you are facing on later.
If you financially can, invest in something long term, and consoles will be cheaper to buy though you miss bundles and cheaper ways of buying games, i wouldn't see consoles as a proper pc replacement.

ps5 specs
CPU: 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.5GHz with SMT (variable frequency) vs 8x Jaguar Cores at 1.6Ghz on PS4.</li.
GPU: 10.28 teraflops with 36 compute units at 2.23GHz (variable frequency) vs 1.84 teraflops and 18 comput units at 800MHz on PS4.
RAM: 16GB GDDR6/256-bit vs 8GB GDDR5 and 256-bit on PS4.
Internal Storage: Custom 825GB SSD vs a 500GB HDD on PS4.
Expandable Storage: NVMe SSD Slot
Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray Drive vs standard Blu-ray Drive in the PS4.

xbox specs:
Processor 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
Graphics 12.155 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
Die Size 360.45 mm2 Process 7nm Enhanced
Memory16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus
Memory Bandwidth 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s
Internal Storage 1 TB Custom NVME SSD
I/O Throughput 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed, with custom hardware decompression block)
Expandable Storage 1 TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
External Storage USB 3.2 External HDD Support
Optical Drive 4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive

just download it

Necrobump. I never bought any RAM, but now I think I have to.
One of my RAM sticks died on me. 8 years strong lol.
Oddly even from what I've seen cheap old DDR3 ram is quite expensive.