Upgrading memory on a limited budget
Upgrading memory on a limited budget
I've been using a 16 GB system for three years now, and it's time to upgrade. I'm mainly a gamer, so I'm okay with running at full settings as long as things perform well without issues. I plan to replace everything instead of adding more components, and I won't mix different brands or specs. This is my first build I haven't made myself—actually winning a contest gave me confidence in the parts I used. Right now I'm considering 2x32 GB, but I want something reliable without overspending. Around $200 is my budget, and I'm sticking to more affordable options. Crucial was the top choice for me when I was building systems, so I'm leaning toward that brand. I'm just browsing right now and don't have a set timeline, so any tips would be helpful.
What motherboard, CPU, and GPU do you currently have? It might be wiser to invest in a stronger GPU rather than just adding more RAM, unless you're planning a full system overhaul. Are you certain your setup uses at least 16 gigabytes of the RAM you already possess? If not, increasing it won't significantly boost performance. You're likely already experiencing diminishing returns for typical desktop tasks, and going beyond 32 GB is usually necessary for top-tier gaming.
If you've always been comfortable with 2x8 configurations, you might be surprised by the need for 64GB. After Crucial phased out the Ballistix line, gaming memory production has shifted—now it's mainly about standard components without heatsinks, which OEMs like Dell favor. They still offer a PRO range, but even with the heatsink, these are meant for regular use, not just the latest models.
I recently upgraded my system with a Micro Star Z370 SLI PLUS MB, an Intel i7-8700K CPU clocked at 3.7 GHz, and a RTX 2080 super GPU. The upgrade came after my previous graphics card failed. Since I frequently run multiple applications simultaneously, I experience slowdowns and occasional freezes. Having 64 GB of RAM ensures I’m prepared for future needs without constant upgrades. That’s a bit surprising to hear—Crucial has been dropping Ballistix lately; thanks for the update.
For large memory upgrades, consider refreshing the BIOS on your motherboard. The Z370 model is older than 32GB DDR4 and 16Gbit DRAM, so newer updates can enhance compatibility. MSI reports several improvements in memory support. You’ll find more details at the links provided: https://www.anandtech.com/show/13473/int...processors and https://www.kingston.com/unitedkingdom/e...-ddr4-dram. The 8th generation CPUs can handle these newer modules, but your board must be updated first.
ddr2 was a long time ago when micron was dominant, though d9gmh/gkx seemed decent. Ddr3 didn’t perform well except for the 775 model with my 6x4 d9qbj, running at 1910-2000 MHz. On my failed x58 rig, micron ddr4 worked fine—4Gbit rev, 8Gbit rev, and E/J at 16Gbit were consistent. Based on what I’ve read, even the OEM green PCB supports up to around 4600 MHz for Crucial 3200. Micron ddr5 is a mess, especially at 16Gbit rev, while Samsung ddr5 has decent specs but isn’t great. Hynix offers solid ddr5 options, though they’re still early in the game. Micron and Samsung are the top choices unless you’re tied to specific RAM manufacturers. Unless their ICs aren’t reliable, I wouldn’t pick Crucial right now. Even with overclocked 6000C36 kits, they look weak compared to Hynix builds. If you want better value, go for generic C18 or C16 chips instead of OEM PCBs—unless you need exact compatibility. Unless those 16-16-16 parts are cheaper than bare PCBs, I’d stick with OEM options so you can customize your RAM easily.