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do i need to install everything if i change RAM?
thanks

firubbi wrote:do i need to install everything if i change RAM?
thanks

no. rip out the old modules, plug in the new ones, and off you go.
ah yes, power down the machine first
and care for proper grounding if possible.

-greetings, markus-

i'll power down the machine for sure :lol
thanks

I remember it was necessary to go into bios after adding RAM and just hit save once. you might be prompted to enter the bios anyway.
I don't know whether this is still a must nowadays since the last machines I built for myself I equipped to the (reasonable) max and never had the need for upgrading.

-greetings, markus-

some bioses keep ignoring the ram specs.

so in some cases you have to setup the ram speed manually. Depending on the system for sure.

But normally the auto setting works fine.

And no, you dont have to reinstall anything.

well, at least it should work out of the box...
there are always traps, of course, but if you didn't buy all cheapo stuff, it should be fine

-greetings, markus-

It is always cool to read some reviews about anything you get for your DAW. I mean, you can learn some details that nobody else can tell you, but those using the item you’ve bought.

For instance, the best settings for a specific kind of RAM is known only by those having it, and this could help you to take full advantage of the sticks.

Not reading about what you do, brings for instance, one of the common errors people do when changing RAM, and this is to load the sticks in the wrong slots in single mode… instated of DD, this really is a waste of money.

Another common error is not to test the RAM as soon as you get it, because you may find problems when the guaranty period has already finished. Avoid it using this little application which is very good to test your RAM and know if your sticks are sound and save:

http://hcidesign.com/memtest/

This very small app is great really, download it with no fear, no spyware or anything dirty. Let it running for at least 8 hours, and if no errors are found, your sticks are in perfect shape, otherwise, you are entitled to change them for a new pair.

A second great utility to fully test your RAM is this one:

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

I strongly advice anybody buying new RAM, to always test the sticks as soon as they are installed, not to lose the guaranty period.

thanks a lot

www.newegg.com is a starting point to research potential compatibility problems if you browse the customer reviews.

well, I'm kinda stuck with kingston kvr memory lately. they have a compatibility search tool on their site that, combined with the compatibility hints from the board manufacturer always helped me out for my board/ram combinations, starting with my first p4

-greetings, markus-

I strongly advice anybody buying new RAM, to always test the sticks as soon as they are installed, not to lose the guaranty period.

I second that motion.