12GB 1066 to 16GB 1333 <- wasting $$?

[todesto]

Just as titled.

I got 12GB 1066 (3 x 4GB) and wondering if I will gain much by upgrading 16GB (2 x 8GB) 1333Mhz sticks.

I do have X5690 that supports 1333.

Would I gain anything or should I save $$$ just keeping my current spec?

 

[flowrider]

Let's not forget that the CPU has three memory channels, and works best with slots 1-3 filled with equal specced RAM. Filling all three with 1333MHz 16GB stocks would be good.

With the only two choices you gave, I'd leave it the way you have it, if 12GBs is enough for you.

Lou

 

[Macsonic]

Just as titled.

I got 12GB 1066 (3 x 4GB) and wondering if I will gain much by upgrading 16GB (2 x 8GB) 1333Mhz sticks.

I do have X5690 that supports 1333.

Would I gain anything or should I save $$$ just keeping my current spec?

It will depend on what tasks you will be doing. For small general tasks there may not be much difference. Though if you can get the 16g 1333mhz at a good moderate price I think it's fine to go for it. The ram for 5.1 Mac Pros are usually reasonable. Congrats on your CPU upgrade.

 

[h9826790]

If no plan to go for 24G in short future. I will simply get another 4G stick to make it 16G in total.

For most of the normal operation, I don't think that you can feel any difference between 4x4G and 2x8G.

 

[todesto]

Thanks for the advices.
and thank you for noticing my CPU upgrade, Macsonic.

If I am not going to gain much, I should stick to what I have currently.

I only do light photoshop and video encoding/DVD ripping which I believe uses more CPU power than RAM.

I guess if I am going to upgrade, I should go 3 sticks, than 2 sticks right? so 3 X 8GB?

 

[flowrider]

^^^^As I indicated above, Yes!

Lou

 

[Loa]

Hello,

People make a big fuss of RAM upgrades... It's so simple: do you need more than what you have? If so, buy more. If not, don't.

RAM speed or number of channel is insignificant compared to the performance loss of having not enough physical RAM.

Loa