New Acer Helios 300, 2022, How much RAM do I need? (I have 16 GB, DDR4-3200)

KanagawaTomasu

I expect to install MS Flight Simulator (at a later date). In the mean time I expect to write a book (literally).

Thus my question. Cheers!

RenanVilela

KanagawaTomasu said:

I expect to install MS Flight Simulator (at a later date). In the mean time I expect to write a book (literally).

Thus my question. Cheers!

Hello, good morning.

In my opinion adding one more 16GB module, totaling 32GB, you will not have problems with lack of memory for applications.

And so that you don't have incompatibility problems, get another module with the same specifications as the original.

JackE

You probably have enough RAM right now to run the simulator, write a couple of books, run a few more games, edit images with photoshop, and do autocad design work  all at the same time. But only if you're a good multi-tasker

JackE

You have more than enough RAM and other hardware resources to get started on installing MS Flight Simulator and writing your book today.

RenanVilela

KanagawaTomasu said:

I expect to install MS Flight Simulator (at a later date). In the mean time I expect to write a book (literally).

Thus my question. Cheers!

Hello, good morning.

In my opinion adding one more 16GB module, totaling 32GB, you will not have problems with lack of memory for applications.

And so that you don't have incompatibility problems, get another module with the same specifications as the original.

JackE

You probably have enough RAM right now to run the simulator, write a couple of books, run a few more games, edit images with photoshop, and do autocad design work  all at the same time. But only if you're a good multi-tasker

KanagawaTomasu

Thanks for the recommendations! I have not opened the case to see what I actually have installed. I had the "impression" that there are 2 (two) 8 GB Dimms of RAM. (Not sure about that) I will be opening the case in the near future to install the two new drives. (1 Predator M2 NVME and 1 Crucial SATA Drive) I will check to see what RAM is actually installed when I do. Thanks again for the input. I will keep you posted.

(But I do have CPU-Z to give me most of the details)

By the way, I already have the Crucial SATA Drive. I am waiting on the Predator drive to arrive by mail.  Cheers!

As stated above; I will keep you posted. 

KanagawaTomasu

On CPU-Z it shows that I have 16 Gb of RAM and it then it shows "Dual Channel."

That leaves me to believe that I must have two (2) 8 Gb Dimms.

KanagawaTomasu

On the other hand, Still looking at CPU-Z, there is nothing shown for "Slot 2." (or for SPD, for that matter.)

You can't have "Dual Channel" with only one DIMM, can you???

Anyone know what the SPD blank, and the (Multiple, empty) slot blanks are for in CPU-Z??

Cheers!

JackE

>>>You can't have "Dual Channel" with only one DIMM, can you??? >>>

Yes you can. Dual-channel essentially means a two-lane hiway instead of one between the RAM & CPU. In theory, can support twice as much traffic as single lane. In practice, not so much. Maybe 10% more in best-case RAM intensive operations. In most situations, a hardly noticeable difference between single and dual channel operation.

KanagawaTomasu

Interesting, I had not heard that before. (Dual channel, with only one Dimm) 

JackE

Dual-channel RAM means two pipelines between the CPU and a single dual-channel capable RAM module. Some PCs have one dual-channel RAM socket. Some have two dual-channel sockets. Some even four dual-channel RAM sockets. Dual channel does not necessarily mean only two RAM sockets.

Then there's also dual-rank RAM. It also has nothing to do with the number of RAM sockets..

KanagawaTomasu

In shopping for RAM it seems that most manufacturers don't specify whether their RAM modules are "dual rank" anymore. On Amazon, I was able to search for "dual rank" RAM, Crucial Brand, but Amazon is quick to show the buyer a "newer model" which does NOT specify "dual rank" in the description. 

KanagawaTomasu

The RAM in my laptop is 2 - 8Gb Dimms, dual channel, single rank,
(Micron brand, same as Crucial)

JackE

You have more than enough RAM and other hardware resources to get started on installing MS Flight Simulator and writing your book today.

KanagawaTomasu

Along the lines of writing a book . . . I just installed MS Office Pro 2016. I purchased the Software (and key) from my employer in 2016, using the Home Use Program, that is available to Government Employees. Suffice it to say, it costs a whole lot less than retail. Has anyone else used the HUP Program to buy Office Software? 

KanagawaTomasu

After the good advice, pro and con, I took the plunge and ordered 32 Gb of G-Skill DDR4-3200.

It was a lot cheaper than what Crucial was asking. And G-Skill was on sale. ($16.00 off)

Basically it is a lot closer to $100.00 than to $150.00.

Do I absolutely have to have it? Probably not, but . . . boys and their toys. LOL

Thanks again, everyone.

KanagawaTomasu

New RAM is INSTALLED, PC recognized it instantly. I bought G-Skill DDR4-3200, 32 Gigabytes, (2, 16 Gb Dimms).

It shows up as DUAL Channel, and DUAL Rank. Got it on Amazon (US).

KanagawaTomasu

I took out 2, 8 GB Dimms. It was showing as Dual Channel and Single Rank. I think it was (generic) Micron.

The new G-Skill Dimms show as "Samsung."

JackE

Sounds good. Thanks for the report. Now you can write your book even faster. 

KanagawaTomasu

Roger that! I am already typing like a madman. LOL

You are welcome.