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Mobo Question: Upgrade DDR2 to DDR3

617 views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  dixson01974 
#1 ·
Hey all,

So I'm thinking to upgrade from DDR2 to DDR3---but I'm questioning the capabilities of my motherboard (Biostar TA790GX 128M).

I am given to believe it supports DDR3 up to 1333 Mhz. Can anyone validate that for me? (The Biostar site is out-dated and word round the net is 1333 max). Also: Would the upgrade, from 4 GB of 1066 (DDR2) to 6 GB of 1333 (DDR3) make a big difference?

Plus, I bought my 4 GB G.Skills for $54 in 2009; now they are $80. I feel I can get 6/8 GB of DDR3 1333 for that price...and some of that money could come from selling my used RAM.

Oh, and I have a prob---my Xigmatek 120mm Rifle heatsink is blocking 1 of the dimm slots. Lol...that's why I say 6 GB instead of 8. Just for kicks, any budget-esque cooler recommendations?

Thanks!

The Poor Blocked Slot
 
#3 ·
Aww sad times.

Ya you're totally right...I had been searching the AM3+ version of my motherboard. Ha, total fail.

Well I'm still wanting to upgrade my RAM...I love my G.Skillz, but they are so damn expensive now. Wish they were still $54. Lol.
 
#4 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheScarecrow;12047672
Aww sad times.

Ya you're totally right...I had been searching the AM3+ version of my motherboard. Ha, total fail.

Well I'm still wanting to upgrade my RAM...I love my G.Skillz, but they are so damn expensive now. Wish they were still $54. Lol.
You can always check the OCN marketplace for someone selling some sticks. There is a rep requirement to sell, but not to buy
smile.gif
 
#5 ·
Thanks a bunch Munky. I'll definitely give it a look.
 
#7 ·
Upgrading to 6GB DDR3 will actually make your performance worse (assuming 3x2GB)
No triple channel on AMD, bro. It's either dual channel or bust. Also, you really won't see any performance improvements over DDR2 unless you go with 1600Mhz DDR3.

If your Xigmatek heatsink is an HDT-S1283 or variant, you can fit 4 DIMMs under there, they just have to be low-profile in heatsinks, i.e. G.Skill ECO. I owned a Dark Knight and the ECOs fit nicely right under. There's gonna be a bit more space with my upcoming NH-D14.
 
#8 ·
Hey thanks for the input dixson01974 and xd_1771.

Quote:


Don't run 3x2gb on an AMD cpu. You will loose performance.

@dixson01974: Ya I knew my Phenom II X3 can take the DDR3...I just thought my motherboard couldn't. But thanks for the info about the 6GB limitations---wasn't solid on that.

Quote:


Also, you really won't see any performance improvements over DDR2 unless you go with 1600Mhz DDR3.

@xd_1771: Ahh. Ya I was really wondering about this. I suppose my main concern was to up my RAM from 4Gb to 8Gb...and DDR3 is actually a more affordable way to do it now apparently. I would love to just get another 4GBs of my G.Skill F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK's. But the price went Tom Cruise over this past year. I'll probs just end up looking for used G.Skill sticks until I have the funds for a whole new build.

Oh and ya, I have the HDT-S1283. I actually may be able to fit a stick under it...I just haven't tried. Ha, my poor Xigmatek...I love it but its a pain to clean---after a year of use, it's a terrifying dust monster. Actually, I should start another thread asking how to clean that thing...
 
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