Ram: 12GB Dell stock vs 8GB Kingston hyperx dual channel

[eats7]

Dell.ca has a promotion going on (see here: New! Alienware M14x Full HD 3D Gaming Laptop Details | Dell Canada)

it comes with 12 gigs of ram, but i already own 8 gigs hyperx in dual channel.

my question is what would give me better performance? can dual channel be better even if there is less?

[Voodooi]

Is this just for gaming?

Because if it is:
4GB = Gaming
6GB = Music Production / Rainmeter-Rocketbar Themes
8GB+ = Maya/3D/Heavy Adobe\

Also, the 2GB GPU is only good if you're going to be linking your laptop to dual-monitors. Otherwise, performance increase is the same as the 1GB.

Why not call and haggle? You can save around 10%+ if you call and bargain in Canada. Never buy anything from the site - you'll be over-paying.

All you really need is stock, with upgraded screen (900p) and CPU.

Everything else is not needed and RAM/HD can be swapped after-market for a significant reduction in cost.



--

Edit: WOW - I see they DOUBLED the price for the screen upgrade. R1 was 50$ (75$ in the US); R2 is 100$ (75$ in the US).

[eats7]

I use it for gaming, and i am in school for computer technologist, so working with different vm's. a couple times i have been playing bf3 and it would go to the desktop saying my computer was low on virtual memory or low on memory and that bf3 needed to close.

I'm just wondering if there is a performance difference between the dual channel and the 4gb+8gb config, and if there is, is so much that it would be worth it to go down to the 4+4 dual channel config?

[Devianti]

I use it for gaming, and i am in school for computer technologist, so working with different vm's. a couple times i have been playing bf3 and it would go to the desktop saying my computer was low on virtual memory or low on memory and that bf3 needed to close.

I'm just wondering if there is a performance difference between the dual channel and the 4gb+8gb config, and if there is, is so much that it would be worth it to go down to the 4+4 dual channel config?

If you know that your total physical memory usage at any given time will be sub 8GB then definitely stick with the HyperX. That said, what's the clock speed of your existing modules?

[eats7]

1600. I'm betting most of the time it'll be under 8, but the one time i need more i know i wont have it:P also Ive heard if you have more ram you dont use it actually hinders performance?

also this is all in a bundle, with diablo 3 incl, so i cant change most of the config.

[Devianti]

1600. I'm betting most of the time it'll be under 8, but the one time i need more i know i wont have it:P also Ive heard if you have more ram you dont use it actually hinders performance?

also this is all in a bundle, with diablo 3 incl, so i cant change most of the config.

I *really* don't think having too much RAM will cause any significant hindrance. But let's face facts - you've already got the 2x4GB HyperX so run with it! You can always switch the stock 12GB back in if you're suffering (or if you're curious and want to see if it makes any difference!).

If I were you I'd receive the machine with stock RAM, then do a few benchmarks and swop the HyperX in and see what happens.

Either way, I think you're in a win-win.

[James D]

eats7. All you needed was just google.

12GB CAN'T BE WORSE 8GB.

Desktop Boards — Single, dual, triple, quad, and flex memory modes

[eats7]

I *really* don't think having too much RAM will cause any significant hindrance. But let's face facts - you've already got the 2x4GB HyperX so run with it! You can always switch the stock 12GB back in if you're suffering (or if you're curious and want to see if it makes any difference!).

If I were you I'd receive the machine with stock RAM, then do a few benchmarks and swop the HyperX in and see what happens.

Either way, I think you're in a win-win.

Thanks, i guess i'll give that a try then

[Devianti]

eats7. All you needed was just google.

12GB CAN'T BE WORSE 8GB.

Desktop Boards — Single, dual, triple, quad, and flex memory modes

And there you have it. You've been linked to the semi-technical explanation that is (somewhere) close to the town where RAID lives. I also live in this superstitious place - hence my latest Alienware ordering has the 2x4GB.

The only reason why I use the word superstitious is because I am yet to get any benefit out of these RAM configurations from *consumer* use. However, that is also why I remain superstitious... ;D

[Devianti]

Thanks, i guess i'll give that a try then

You're welcome! And hey if the deal feels right go for it - RAM will be the least of your worries under all the choices of new games you'll have to play.

EDIT: I meant to say 'New games you'll have to play at Ultra settings'