Getting RAM upgraded in a pre-built PC for the first time? Looking for guidance on picking the right kits!
Getting RAM upgraded in a pre-built PC for the first time? Looking for guidance on picking the right kits!
I purchased a Powerspec desktop from Microcenter in 2017. Here are the details and some improvements I’m considering. The specs and upgrades are listed below: CPU: i7 6 core 5820K RAM: 16 GB (4x 4GB) Corsair Vengeance LPX (generation/type/speed unclear, need clarification) GPU: Asus STRIX 1070 8 GB OC Storage; various SSDs Cooler: Corsair H110i My information about the motherboard in the link refers to “Supports Quad Channel DDR4-3333(OC) Memory.” Does this imply it’s optimized for four sticks, or just a single stick? I’m planning to upgrade to 32GB (possibly 64GB someday). For smoother performance with my audio production software—like Kontakt, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve—I want to know more about my current RAM setup and what my motherboard can handle. What’s the ideal configuration? I’m drawn to the Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3600 (PC4-28800 C18). It fits my budget, has two sticks, and offers plenty of room for future expansion up to 64GB if needed. Is it faster than what I currently have? Would it still work but not at peak performance? TridentZ looks stylish and also fits the budget. Could I upgrade by buying another 16GB (four 4GB sticks) since my board only has eight slots? That would give me a total of 32GB. The downside is losing all eight slots if I aim for 64GB, and it might cost more long-term because I’d need to replace all sticks later. Alternatively, could I opt for a different brand/type if the Vengeance RGB Pro isn’t compatible? Should I focus on finding out exactly what my RAM can support and how many slots are available before deciding?
Your board can handle quad channel with eight slots, allowing pairing with a matching Corsair Vengeance LPX 4x4GB for 32GB. For additional RAM, you're okay with 2x16GB or 4x8GB, as both should work in dual-channel mode—quad channel needs all slots filled. Avoid using a single 1x32GB stick, as it will hurt performance. Your board supports up to 3333MHz, so the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 3600MHz isn't ideal unless you boost it. If you pick the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro, opt for 3000MHz or 3200MHz models. The G.Skill Trident Z is also a viable option. Make sure to verify your motherboard's supported memory vendor list.
You can determine your exact Corsair memory configuration without physically removing it. Check your motherboard manual or manufacturer website to see the supported configurations. Look for details on how many sticks are compatible and their performance benefits. Based on what you shared, 4x4GB sticks offer 16GB total, while 8x32GB sticks give 32GB. Quad channel technology allows more memory to be used efficiently, potentially improving speed compared to standard configurations. The price difference between these options will help you decide which fits your needs best.
My choices and cost details with future upgrades. Adding another Vengeance LPX 4x4GB = $109 Now for a 32GB total in my system. If I plan to expand to 64GB later, all slots are full, so I’d need to remove everything and buy a new 64GB kit priced at $349 for 4x16GB 3000mhz. Thus, if I upgrade to 64GB eventually, the total cost would be $109 plus $349, totaling $458. Choosing 64GB now would cost $189 for a 32GB/2x16GB kit. If I decide later to get another similar setup for 64GB, it’ll add another $189, bringing the long-term total to $378. So it depends on whether I prefer buying now or waiting. Regarding RAM speed, running at 3000mhz should work fine—it won’t slow things down significantly. My motherboard supports XMP profiles that let it run faster; I see the fastest RAM I can buy is around 4666mhz, but real-world performance differences between 2666 and 4666 are minimal.