System upgrade & overclock advice

[On_Point]

Hi guys, im new here and was hoping for some advice upgrading my PC.
I bought an overclocked PC few years ago and I just want to add some RAM to it.
But wanted some advice on what I can use and how to keep the overclock stable once I add the extra RAM.

This is my system specification:

- Case: Antec 1200 Gaming case with Nvidia Green Fans
- Power Supply: Corsair TX 750W ATX Modular SLI Compliant Power Supply
- CPU: Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz Overclocked to 4.00GHz
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R Intel X58 (Socket 1366) DDR3
Motherboard
- Cooler: Prolimatech Megahalems Rev B CPU Cooler with 2000RPM Sharkoon Silent Eagle 120mm
- RAM: Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8 (1600MHz) Low Latency Tri-Channel
- Hard Drives: Kingston Technology HyperX 3K 2.5-inch 240GB SSD
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache
- Graphics Card: 2x GeForce GTX 480 1536MB GDDR5
- Sound : 7.1 Channel Sound (On-Board)
- Optical Drive: LG DVD+/-RW SATA Drive - Black

The closest RAM I could find for this is "Corsair CMX6GX3M3A1600C9 XMS3"
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002LZ1FPG/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Can anyone tell me if this is compatible? Also if I would be able to keep the oveclock?

Thanks!

 

[Silver_Pharaoh]

Hi guys, im new here and was hoping for some advice upgrading my PC.
I bought an overclocked PC few years ago and I just want to add some RAM to it.
But wanted some advice on what I can use and how to keep the overclock stable once I add the extra RAM.

This is my system specification:

- Case: Antec 1200 Gaming case with Nvidia Green Fans
- Power Supply: Corsair TX 750W ATX Modular SLI Compliant Power Supply
- CPU: Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz Overclocked to 4.00GHz
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R Intel X58 (Socket 1366) DDR3
Motherboard
- Cooler: Prolimatech Megahalems Rev B CPU Cooler with 2000RPM Sharkoon Silent Eagle 120mm
- RAM: Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8 (1600MHz) Low Latency Tri-Channel
- Hard Drives: Kingston Technology HyperX 3K 2.5-inch 240GB SSD
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache
- Graphics Card: 2x GeForce GTX 480 1536MB GDDR5
- Sound : 7.1 Channel Sound (On-Board)
- Optical Drive: LG DVD+/-RW SATA Drive - Black

The closest RAM I could find for this is "Corsair CMX6GX3M3A1600C9 XMS3"
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002LZ1FPG/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Can anyone tell me if this is compatible? Also if I would be able to keep the oveclock?

Thanks!

Like I said, I'm no expert (because I bought a pre-built) so I have no overclocking experience with new systems.

I know that you should not mix RAM when it comes to overclocking, and I know that Corsair is great stuff. If you ask me, I'd find the best and closest thing to the Corsair you already have, which you did.

But I would prefer if you hold off on that decision until someone else can provide more advice...

I wish I could be of more use here sorry...

 

[mimart7]

Are you adding ram to your system, or swapping what you have? If you are adding ram, you'll need to adjust the timing manually in you your bios. Which ever set has the highest latency, is what you have to configure in your bios.

 

[Silver_Pharaoh]

Are you adding ram to your system, or swapping what you have? If you are adding ram, you'll need to adjust the timing manually in you your bios. Which ever set has the highest latency, is what you have to configure in your bios.

Is that like a general rule? 'cause I'd be looking to build a rig in the future.

 

[EarthDog]

Do not mix ram. While you may be able to get it working with manual adjustments, it is not guaranteed to work. Always buy matching ram.

 

[mimart7]

Do not mix ram. While you may be able to get it working with manual adjustments, it is not guaranteed to work. Always buy matching ram.

Buying matching ram is the best option, but it can be done using different ram. Just because it can be done, doesn't mean it should.

 

[EarthDog]

Yes, what I just said, lol!

 

[On_Point]

Thanks for the replies guys. First of all I am looking to "add" to my existing overclocked PC.

The specs I gave were what I got when I bought the system. That RAM I linked was the closest RAM I could find.

Now looking at it, I can see that the RAM in the system was not initially 1600Mhz
The timings have been changed to achieve 1600Mhz
The new RAM is 1600Mhz by defult.

So does this mean I cant add 6GB of this RAM to my system to get 12GB
If I do add the new RAM can I keep it at the native 1600Mhz while having the overclock settings which bumps the old RAM to 1600Mhz

Here are some CPU-Z readouts with the overclock and without.

With:
http://s27.postimg.org/vvw0ru68z/oc_with.jpg

Without:
http://s30.postimg.org/iravryqtd/oc_without.jpg

Let me know what you guys think.

 

[mimart7]

You are really better off substituting the new ram for the old. You will have less headaches.

 

[Silver_Pharaoh]

Here are some CPU-Z readouts with the overclock and without.

With:
http://s27.postimg.org/vvw0ru68z/oc_with.jpg

Without:
http://s24.postimg.org/e3oiyv2d1/oc_without.jpg

Let me know what you guys think.

Uhh... they both look the same?

 

[On_Point]

Uhh... they both look the same?

Woops my bad. I edited the post...it should be the right links now

 

[On_Point]

You are really better off substituting the new ram for the old. You will have less headaches.

Will that make any difference though? I mean I will be getting the same speed RAM unless I decide to overclock the new RAM.

 

[EarthDog]

The subtimings may be different. But if there was a better chance it would work, it would be with the same voltage, speed and major timings. That still doesn't mean it will work however (which is what was said multiple times already).

 

[On_Point]

Well was thinking to add some RAM before selling this pc off. Either way its getting sold and I want to make a new pc.

Would apprishiate it if you can give me some advice on the parts.
Trying to avoid buying any incompatable parts. Also im split about graphics cards and type of cooling.

I made a thread here listing what I was thinking to buy.
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7586534

 

[EarthDog]

Did you just receate this thread in a new thread?

Edit: I guess we went from upgrading to new, lol!

 

[On_Point]

Yea that threads about a building a new system

I wanted to "upgrade" this system to get a better price when selling lol

 

[EarthDog]

My best advice, this is not a house and will not build equity with the upgrades. Sell as is and let the new owner upgrade.

 

[Silver_Pharaoh]

My best advice, this is not a house and will not build equity with the upgrades. Sell as is and let the new owner upgrade.

1+ Best not to sink more $ than you will make.

 

[On_Point]

Thanks guys I have taken your advice and started looking at parts for a new system.
I have selected some parts which I believe are compatible. But could you guys please have a look.

I dont want to buy these and find the mobo dont fit in the case or RAM dont fit with CPU or something.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...act_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...act_title_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Now about coolers I dont know weather to go with air or liquid. I have never used liquid cooling before. But I can see the prices are not much more than good air coolers now.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!