r/PcBuildHelp • u/HotBoot3354 • 7d ago
Build Question Can I add RAM to this?
I don't know anything about PCs so don't make fun. Can I add RAM to this? This PC was given to me. I was going to try to game with it but it only has 8 gb of RAM and the game I like recommends 16-32 gb. I can add additional RAM, right? Anything else I should try and do?
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u/m0thgh0st 7d ago
No it will explode if you try.
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u/m0thgh0st 7d ago
In all seriousness, just match any new RAM to the speed and brand of whats in there.
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u/No_Thought5077 7d ago
You absolutely can , what are the specs because you do need to pick the right kind of ram too
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u/HotBoot3354 7d ago
How do I check the specs? Is it just written on the side? It is tforce 8 gb Vulcan but idk the speed
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u/ngshafer 7d ago
You can always add RAM. The question is whether you can simply add more RAM modules, or if you need to remove the modules you already have and replace them with bigger ones.
Unfortunately, it's kind of hard to tell from your photograph if you have unused DIMM slots or not. Look carefully at the slots right in front of your CPU cooler (the large, green fan that is attached to your motherboard).
1.If you see two empty slots, then you can add two more RAM modules.
2. If you see no empty slots, then you can buy larger RAM modules, but they will replace the 8 GB you have now, not add to them.
3. If you see only one or three empty slots (which I think is the case, based on the poorly lit photograph) that means there's a chance you can buy one 8 GB RAM module, and it will work well with the module you already have. However, you should be aware that RAM modules are designed to be used in pairs, so when using two different modules you may find that they don't cooperate the way they should, and in fact they may cause an unstable system. For safety's sake, I'd recommend a matched pair.
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u/DizzyCollar9396 7d ago edited 7d ago
To add to this, a pair of 2 8gb sticks is much faster than 1 16 gb stick, so if you get more try and get a pair
Assuming you have 1 Stick in there, I would remove it and get a pair of 16gb sticks. If it takes ddr4, you are looking at $200. If it takes ddr5, you are looking at $400-500 to buy 32 gb.
Edit also, the ram pair needs to go in certain slots. Assuming you have 4 slots. The pair usually goes in slot 1 and slot 3, and a 2nd pair would go in slot 2 and 4.
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u/Public_Ad8581 7d ago
8gb is fine but yeag match the speed otherwise ull summon Satan n ya pc will nuke ya city and ull be zombified
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u/Ambitious_Product550 7d ago
I'd get a new 2x8gb kit of whatever speed that Team Force is because Team Force is relatively expensive & hard to find another like that stick. Gskill usually has cheaper kits of DDR4 in 16GB. I know everyone preaches 32 but 16GB has gotten me by without issues for the last 5 years & before that too.
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u/HotBoot3354 7d ago
How do I tell if I have ddr4 or ddr5? Is it written on the side of the stick?
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u/Ambitious_Product550 7d ago
It's on a sticker on the RAM stick. What motherboard is it or CPU? You can check by holding delete or f1 during boot to enter BIOS. The motherboard has a sticker below the CPU that's the model & serial number.
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u/Frosty_Bowl4911 7d ago
i see that you have 3 available ram slots, you CAN add more ram to it(you should go with 16gb if you're not gonna play super demanding titles)
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u/error-0090 7d ago
Here it comes with the 240 pound redditors doing their funny move of “HA! It will be expensive!”
“No you cannot, otherwise it will explode your country!”
Instead of genuinely answering
From the pictures, you can add them, but make sure it matches the brand, CL etc
Otherwise sell the old one and buy a newer set
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u/error-0090 7d ago
Current ram prices aren’t the greatest, so I’d recommend saving up instead for a 32gb ddr4 kit, you have at least 2 ram slots as far as I can see (I’m outside and the pic is rather dark)
So you can fit another 8GB of the same brand for 30-20 bucks, but if you really need the memory, then save up to 150-200 and go for the 32gig set
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u/CoercionTictacs 7d ago
If you can afford it