RAM Question

[PCHelp2015]

Warning: I am an idiot, please be kind :-).

I currently have: 1 x 8GB DDR3 @ 798

If I buy: 2 x 4GB DDR3 @ 1600

What improvements will I notice, and is it actually worth upgrading?

Also are dual-channels, better than single-channels? or doesn't it matter?

[Oshino Shinobu]

If you use a program like CPU-Z to check the DRAM frequency, what does it say? If it's around 800MHz, then it is effectively running at 1600MHz, in which case, you'd see basically no improvement outside of benchmarks and some rendering type tasks. 

 

Dual channel operation is better than single channel, but it doesn't make any real difference in everyday use or games. It can make some differences in rendering and such. 

[PCHelp2015]

If you use a program like CPU-Z to check the DRAM frequency, what does it say? If it's around 800MHz, then it is effectively running at 1600MHz, in which case, you'd see basically no improvement outside of benchmarks and some rendering type tasks. 

 

Dual channel operation is better than single channel, but it doesn't make any real difference in everyday use or games. It can make some differences in rendering and such. 

Thanks for your response, just downloaded CPU-Z, this was the result on the 'Memory' tab: https://gyazo.com/78911f6ad67b665bf1ee01aa253acc43

[Oshino Shinobu]

Thanks for your response, just downloaded CPU-Z, this was the result on the 'Memory' tab: https://gyazo.com/78911f6ad67b665bf1ee01aa253acc43

Your current RAM is running at 798.1MHz (let's call it 800MHz) actual clock, which means the effective clock is 1600MHz (DDR = Double Data Rate. So 800MHz x2 = 1600MHz.) which is what is quoted as the RAM's speed when it is being sold. It is the same speed as the 2x4GB set you've seen. You'd be better off getting another (as identical as possible) 1600MHz stick to increase the capacity and get some potential benefits from dual channel. 

 

I would stick with what you have at the moment though. It doesn't sound like you need more RAM, and the benefits of dual channel are often minimal and unnoticeable for most people. 

[PCHelp2015]

Your current RAM is running at 798.1MHz (let's call it 800MHz) actual clock, which means the effective clock is 1600MHz (DDR = Double Data Rate. So 800MHz x2 = 1600MHz.) which is what is quoted as the RAM's speed when it is being sold. It is the same speed as the 2x4GB set you've seen. You'd be better off getting another (as identical as possible) 1600MHz stick to increase the capacity and get some potential benefits from dual channel. 

 

I would stick with what you have at the moment though. It doesn't sound like you need more RAM, and the benefits of dual channel are often minimal and unnoticeable for most people. 

Thankyou!