Build Path

[LazyDragon]

I recently acquired a PC that I plan to make my long-term project. It's a humble little thing. i5-4590, 8 GB DDR3, 500 GB HDD, no graphics card or even wifi/bluetooth. I figured I could add some RAM and a graphics card I had lying around (crummy, but still better than integrated). I opened the thing up, and was pleasantly surprised at just how modular it was. I'm so used to opening up laptops that this was a treat. Unfortunately, however, I also found that my my mobo isn't exactly up to snuff... only two DIMM slots and no space for the graphics card (not because there wasn't a slot, my case won't fit it). Unfortunately, being the noob that I am, I didn't understand that there are different types of RAM beyond the DDR versions. So the DDR3 RAM I had was SODIMM. To compound problems, this RAM is second-hand and untested, making selling more complicated. So now I have options.

 

1. I can try to find a new motherboard, which doesn't solve the RAM problem except for allowing me to install 32+ GB at some point. My current mobo has 1 PCIe 16x slot and a 1x slot. A new board could provide more slots.

2. Use these and run a system with 16 GB of RAM

3. Again use these to test the RAM, then sell and get some better DIMM

4. Sell the SODIMM untested for a lower price

 

I'm leaning towards 2 or 3, but let me know what you think.

[deXxterlab97]

You are saying the case is limited in size so I believe that the motherboard could be proprietery seeing it also accepts SODIMM RAM. So a new board might not fit. Unless the measurements fit standard.

Also it is not needed more than 16GB for an old PC like that. Maybe try get a new CPU would be a better idea.

[Mrchooow]

is the ram so dimm ram ? that is ued for laptops and macbook pros.

its supposed to be dimm-240 ram for you pc

If the cpu is a k cpu a new motherboard with overclocking abillities will give you some more juice out of your cpu. 

Ram are expensive so try to get some ddr3 used since ddr4 is the thine being used to today

 

Can you list the motherboard bradn and type here

[LazyDragon]

Ah, ok, I was unclear. The SODIMM RAM is not the RAM that's already in the PC. I got it from a friend. I also have the 8 GB (2x 4 GB) of DIMM already in the PC. 

[Mrchooow]

okay, now i understand, sell the ram and get a 16 gb kit  

but is the cpu a k or a non k cpu? 

[LazyDragon]

3 minutes ago, Mrchooow said:

okay, now i understand, sell the ram and get a 16 gb kit  

but is the cpu a k or a non k cpu? 

 

It's a non-k CPU.

[Mrchooow]

then just buy 16gb of ddr3 then, no need for new mbo, and the one taht are left of that lga is becoming quite pricey so no need