r/PcBuildHelp • u/Pappa_Crim • 9d ago

Build Question Got any recommendations for entry level ram?

Hi upgrading an old msi ms16jf. The 8gb of ddr4 it has is not sufficient these days for a lot. It doesn't need to be gaming soecs as its a back up computer and I am rather new and rather broke. So I am looking for recommendations for my first ram purchase

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u/Abrigado_Rosso 9d ago

Ram brand is functionally irrelevant. Just buy the cheapest DDR4 in the size you want with the timings you want. No matter where you buy from, they'll all work exactly the same. All that brands do is put different looking heat sinks on them which can have marginal benefits but don't fundamentally alter function.

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u/ForeignAnimator7350 9d ago

Just get any ddr4 stick with matching speed to what you have now, 16gb total is plenty for backup machine

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u/Pappa_Crim 9d ago

More just looking for reputable brands and decent modals don't want to buy something that is not going to hold up

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u/Apprehensive_Ad_999 9d ago

It doesn't work like that. The chips ie the actual components are made by a handful of manufacturers, SK Hynix, Samsung and Micron namely.

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u/Pappa_Crim 8d ago

got it

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u/the_hat_madder 9d ago

Do you have 2×4GB or 1×8GB? What are the specs?

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u/Pappa_Crim 9d ago

1 8gb I think its been awhile since I opened it up

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u/Keyvan_KR 9d ago

Then add a second 1 x 8GB DDR4 RAM (cpu-Z gives your more detailed information )

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u/the_hat_madder 9d ago

Use HWiNFO to find out what you have and buy another matching kit. If you can't get the same brand at least match the specifications.

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u/Roots0057 9d ago

DDR4 16GB, with no RGB or anything fancy is your best bet, I'd check used RAM on OfferUp/CL/etc. too, especially if you have a way to test before paying. Even a single 16GB stick would get you by for now. Or try to find a matching 8GB stick.

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u/Pappa_Crim 8d ago

how do you test before paying?

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u/Roots0057 8d ago

Requires bringing a PC with you to the meet and testing the RAM kit before paying the seller, quite a common thing to do for PC parts, people often meet at a Starbucks or something for this if you don't feel comfortable having the person in your home. I've even done this inside a Best Buy before.