RAM Upgrade Question

Hi,

I am looking at upgrading my 6GB RAM to 8GB as I use some CAD software.

I currently have 1 4GB stick and 1 2GB stick. 3D Mark says they're different brands but both DDR3 and 666Mhz, my laptop service guide states they're 1333Mhz shared. Does this mean I should be buying 1333Mhz replacements or 667? What's the maximum speed of RAM I could get? I have the HP G6 1331ea.

I've also heard people talk about tri channel and single channel. What does this mean?

Thanks,

Posted Feb 26, 2012, 9:41 PM UTC

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pfkninenines•14 yr. ago

DDR stands for Double Data Rate. So, the 667 Mhz that is showing is the correct speed for 1333Mhz RAM.

Via the product information page, the maximum supported memory is 6GB, though the unofficial maximum is likely governed by the density of the RAM you can find (ie: 1GB sticks vs 8GB sticks). Since the largest DDR3 module I can find is 8GB, the theoretical / unsupported maximum of your laptop is likely 16GB.

Single-Channel / Dual-Channel / Tri-Channel / Quad-Channel memory is based on the processor and chipset. Your processor, the A8-3520M, has dual-channel memory support. Basically, try to install memory in sets of two, ie: get 2x 4GB DIMMs, rather than 1x 4GB + 1x2GB. This might be noticeable in CAD work, as it can be quite memory intensive.

Chronos_OP•14 yr. ago

Thank you for your help and it's strange that it says 6GB max there but in the service guide it states 8GB.

Althought I currently have 1333Mhz is it possibly to go to 1600? Or is this is a bad idea due to power consumption/heat or similar issues? Or would the change in speed be unnoticable?

pfkninenines•14 yr. ago

I can't see reference to maximum supported memory speed for your laptop, but if 1600Mhz memory are supported, it'll probably be worth the $2-ish extra price premium. One, you'll gain a small (very small) bit of performance in your CAD programs, and two, your GPU utilizes the system memory. It's been proven again and again that the best way to improve AMD's Llano's GPU performance is to use faster memory.

Power consumption / heat won't be an issue. The differences, if any, would be negligible.

Chronos_OP•14 yr. ago

Thanks greatly for your help. You've answered all my questions!