Upgrading memory

[boc61]

I have an i5 2500 on an intel DB68DZ mainboard with 8GB of Corsair 1333 memory. I plan on doubling the memory to 16GB. My question is, would I get any extra performance if I switched to 1600 Mhz on the memory, or should I stay with the 1333? Trainz is pretty much the most intense program I use, I don't do any type of video editing or stuff like that.

 

[JCitron]

If your motherboard can handle it, sure why not. When I purchase and build a PC, I always go with the best components that my machine can handle, and what I can afford. By afford I mean I'll go with the I7-3770 and not the extreme version of a processor. With memory, however, I go with the higher speed because memory today is really inexpensive.

John

 

[drchoi21]

Here is the Memory chart for 2013
4GB - Bare minimum
8GB - Normal
16GB - Extra User
32GB - Overkill
64GB - Extreme Performence
96GB - Mid-size Server/Workstation
128GB+ - Super Computer (For my next computer, Aiming for here)

 

[boc61]

If your motherboard can handle it, sure why not. When I purchase and build a PC, I always go with the best components that my machine can handle, and what I can afford. By afford I mean I'll go with the I7-3770 and not the extreme version of a processor. With memory, however, I go with the higher speed because memory today is really inexpensive.

John

From what I can gather so far it doesn't seem like the 1600 will be supported.

 

[drchoi21]

No, it means it is the baseline that the processor would support, I run 3770K screaming at 4.8GHz with my memory overclocked to 2000MHz.

 

[boc61]

No, it means it is the baseline that the processor would support, I run 3770K screaming at 4.8GHz with my memory overclocked to 2000MHz.

I'm not planning on overclocking.

 

[johnwhelan]

Trainz is a 32 bit program so can only use 4 gigs max under a 64 bit operating system, add in 2 gigs for the operating system and the rest is just keeping the computer warmer. If you are only running Trainz there is no advantage to more than 6 gigs of memory except your motherboard might be dual channel it which case you need either 4 gigs or 8 gigs so you end up with 8 gigs of memory but don't really use two of them.

Cheerio John

 

[lewisner]

I have 32GB as RAM is fairly cheap. My mobo could take 128GB but I don't think there is any point in my "aiming" for it lol! BTW one of the UK computer magazines has an article suggest that RAM is about to get more expensive.

 

[boc61]

OK, just to tie this all up: My system won't handle 1660 RAM so that's moot. I was able to get an additional 8GB of 1333 for pretty much nothing so I threw it in, so I'm running with 16 gigs of RAM. Maybe I'll find something that will actually ue it, if not, no big deal I figure. More importantly, I have a new 256 GB SSD just for Trainz, so I'm happy.