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    R3- ram upgrade

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by chanks14, Apr 4, 2011.

  1. chanks14

    chanks14 Notebook Enthusiast

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    does an upgrade from 4gb stock to 8gb hyperx provide a noticeable boost in performance, or just look better on benchmarks
     
    chanks14, Apr 4, 2011
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  2. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    This question has been raised many times around here it actually depends on what do you do with your system.
     
    katalin_2003, Apr 4, 2011
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  3. irablumberg

    irablumberg Notebook Consultant

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    Depends what you are doing. For example, Photoshop uses lots of RAM and will definitely perform better with more memory. Other programs may not use as much memory. You have to check based on what you plan to run.

    Ira
     
    irablumberg, Apr 4, 2011
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  4. chanks14

    chanks14 Notebook Enthusiast

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    well i play games mostly, but i like to have many tabs open in chrome and lots of folders open, and i transfer files around and mess with mods. so i'd say i multitask a lot.
     
    chanks14, Apr 4, 2011
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  5. Panamaniac

    Panamaniac Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, and sorry chanks for posting a question in your thread.

    I had a thread with a similar question, but got no reply.
    My question is if I were to buy 8gb of ram to add up to the stock 4gbs (12gb total) at the same frequency, will it yield better results than upgrading to 8gb of Hyper-X 1600Mhz
     
    Panamaniac, Apr 4, 2011
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  6. chanks14

    chanks14 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i would think so
     
    chanks14, Apr 4, 2011
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  7. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    If you're going to be mixing memory (from different manufacturers) make sure they have the same CAS Latency and freq.
     
    katalin_2003, Apr 4, 2011
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  8. scottiemon

    scottiemon Notebook Geek

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    Question for you R3 HyperX folks (4GBx2). Amazon has what appears to be the correct module, with a part number of KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX. However, Kingston's site has it as KHX1600C9S3K2/8GX (notice the D3 vs. S3). What is really interesting is in looking at the datasheet on Kingstons website, the title shows KHX1600C9S3K2/8GX, whereas the datasheet shows KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX (again, D3 vs. S3). I would like to grab the unit from Amazon, as it is 99 bucks, but I am a bit worried. I know Amazon is not going to be able to speak to this. I do have an e-mail off to Kingston, but I am not familiar with their customer support, and how knowledgable they are.
    Any insight is appreciated. Dell states my delivery date is 4/26!
    Thanks!
    EDIT: got an e-mail from Kingston. They said I have to go with 1333 MHZ memory. Translation: They are not knowledgable either :(
     
    scottiemon, Apr 4, 2011
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  9. irablumberg

    irablumberg Notebook Consultant

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    D = desktop.
    S= SODIMM (Laptop).

    Make sure you get SODIMM type memory if you want it to fit in your laptop.

    Ira
     
    irablumberg, Apr 4, 2011
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  10. scottiemon

    scottiemon Notebook Geek

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    How freakin obvious....I feel like I have been hit by the stupid club! You would think I would have looked at the picture! Thanks Ira!

    So, amazon does not have the 8GX. They have the 8G only. While Kingston does not list a 8G (1600MHZ), one can assume that it might be a package of 2 4G, which lacks XMP.

    What do you think? Typo on Amazon, or Amazon carrying something that Kingston does not list?

    With that said, what would be lost in not getting XMP if the MHZ rating is the same?
     
    scottiemon, Apr 4, 2011
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  11. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    LVNeptune, Apr 5, 2011
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  12. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    From what I understand you want to put them into a R1 or R2, they will work but just be downclocked to 1334Mhz.

    Cheers
     
    katalin_2003, Apr 5, 2011
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  13. scottiemon

    scottiemon Notebook Geek

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    LVNeptune,

    Thanks for the link. I usually prefer to go Amazon, as I am a Prime member, so I get two day shipping free and no tax. Since my laptop wont arrive until April 26 (so they say), Newegg was actually cheaper, even though I had to pay tax.

    Katalin, I have an R3 on order, so I can get 1600!!! I upgraded from the default processor.

    I appreciate all the comments!
     
    scottiemon, Apr 5, 2011
    #13
  14. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    Amazon doesn't sell them, I linked newegg up there ^

    X = XMP

    No designation is NOT XMP. Verified on Newegg's site with the part numbers.
     
    LVNeptune, Apr 5, 2011
    #14
  15. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    Is there that big of a difference between 1333 and 1600? Some test results anyone?
     
    Brabostaan, Apr 5, 2011
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  16. scottiemon

    scottiemon Notebook Geek

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    About $110 shipped for 1600 Ram. Dell wanted $120 for 1333 MHZ upgrade. Thanks again LVNeptune!
    Seems like a no brainer to me! Plus, I get to keep the 2 2GB ram chips to decorate the Xmas tree in December.
    All kidding aside, what the heck do I do with these leftovers? I guess I need to keep them in case I need to send the laptop back?
     
    scottiemon, Apr 5, 2011
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  17. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yes, save them. You don't want to give up your new sticks. Anything you swap out save unless you want to lose whatever you put in there :)
     
    LVNeptune, Apr 5, 2011
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  18. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    I mean it there a noticeable performance boost?
     
    Brabostaan, Apr 5, 2011
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  19. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    Depends on usage...It's preference really. Most people will not notice the speed increase, but there is one.
     
    LVNeptune, Apr 5, 2011
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  20. adwilk1231

    adwilk1231 Notebook Consultant

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    Sorry to change the subject but to take advantage of the 1600 do I need to change to XMP 2 in my BIOS as Speedy suggested in the R3 owners thread?
     
    adwilk1231, Apr 5, 2011
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  21. scottiemon

    scottiemon Notebook Geek

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    >>do I need to change to XMP 2 in my BIOS<<

    I have seen that mentioned several places, by several people on this forum. I cannot speak from experience, as my computer does not ship until later this month. However, I am sure that is correct! :)
    Newegg informed me the Ram is on the way! If only my laptop was!
     
    scottiemon, Apr 5, 2011
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  22. shadowyani

    shadowyani Notebook Deity

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    Yes you need to set to XMP2.
     
    shadowyani, Apr 5, 2011
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  23. adwilk1231

    adwilk1231 Notebook Consultant

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    thanks!

    10char
     
    adwilk1231, Apr 6, 2011
    #23