Can I increase memory?

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My computer in 10 years old.  I would like to increase my memory from 12.0 GB to around 20 GB if it is possible. Following are my computer specs (from Speccy):

Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

Intel Core i7 960 @ 3.20GHz

Bloomfield 45mm Technology

12.0 GB Triple-Channel DDR3 @ 534MHz (7-7-7-20)

ASUSTeK Computer INC. P6T (LGA1366)

Any help is greatly appreciated!  My knowledge of hardware is very limited.

Sheila

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according to the manufacturers’ website: (See memory section)
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P6T/specifications/
you can max the memory up to 24Gb

Is your existing allocation of DDR3 12Gb 3 x 4Gb modules?
If so, you’ll probably have to purchase 3 x DDR3 8Gb modules to max it out.
Best to have the same ram size and modules across the triple channel memory architecture to obtain best throughput.

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sheila_c

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Thanks, anonymous!  Yes, my current memory allocation is 3 4 Gb modules.  So I will not buy 3 8Gb modules to replace the other ones.

Can you recommend who to buy them from?  And do I have to update my BIOS or can I just take out the old ones and put in the new ones?

 

 

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Can you give us some more info about what you do with the machine that requires 20GB?

cheers, Paul

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b

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[sheila_c]

Hi Paul – I use Topaz Labs programs for most of my digital artwork, and they have been creating new A.I. applications and updating others that now require more memory than previously:
Hardware Requirements
                                                      Minimum    Recommended    Optimal
System RAM                                    8GB                   16GB                      32GB+
Dedicated GPU VRAM                      2GB                    4GB                         6GB+

As a result I am finding that after only a few layers in a project, the layers no longer properly display, and sometimes the program freezes.  It also runs much slower than it should.  So since I have the recommended video dedicated VRAM, and not the recommended System RAM, I figure that is the problem.

Sheila

Moderator note: Personally identifying information removed for security reasons.

 

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by sheila_c.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Bluetrix.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Bluetrix.

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I would try a few things before deciding on an upgrade.
1. Open Task Manager. See what apps are using CPU, RAM and disk.
2. Check disk space on the Windows disk. You should have at least 20% free.
3. Do you have an SSD or HDD? This may make quite a difference to performance.

I see two upgrade options.
1. More RAM that will make some improvement, depending on the results from above.
2. A new machine – given your’s is 10 years old. Keep your screen etc. This should be around the $1200 mark.

Try the Crucial site to see what RAM they recommend.
Don’t upgrade the BIOS unless there is a problem.
Buy from any place that is convenient in case you need to return it.

cheers, Paul

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