RAM Upgrade Help Needed

I have 3 PCs, and some various sticks of RAM. My ultimate goal is to bump the RAM in the main desktop to 8 GB. I have priced RAM to match what is installed currently, and it is running between $60 and $80. I would like to avoid that expense, and get the best bang for my buck.

Using the information below, what are my options? My first thought would be to pull the Patriot RAM out of the media server and install it in the Gigabyte board, which, if I recall, would clock the other RAM down to match the 800 mhz speed. Surely 4GB more total RAM would counteract any decrease in speed? Ideally, I would like to pull the 4 1 GB sticks of the Dell and install it into the XFX board (again, taking a bit of a speed hit) but it does not look like this board supports PC2 5300 DDR2 667 RAM, according to Crucial's configurator. If this were to work, I could use whatever leftovers I have in the Dell, where 2 GB would be sufficient, if need be. (the 2 PNY sticks perhaps)

Plan B I guess would be to find another 2 GB PC2 6400 to go along with the Spectec and use them in the XFX board.

Or, do I just bite the bullet and drop $80 on matching RAM for my Gigabyte?

Help!

Thanks,

Paul


PC1 - my main desktop
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
(according to Crucial, DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 PC2-8500, DDR2 PC2-6400, pairs not required but recommended)

PC2 - my media server running Plex Media Server used to stream to a Roku
XFX MB-N78S-8209 nForce720a chipset
AMD Athlon II X2 240
2 x 2 GB Patriot PVS24G6400LLKNB DDR2 800 4-4-4-12 (Kit)
(according to Crucial, DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-8500, DDR2, pairs not required but suggested)

PC3 - hand me down to be used as a"test bed" PC (do not have PC in my possession yet, but is a guaranteed deal)
Dell XPS
Core2 Processor
4 x 1 GB PC2 5300 DDR2 667
(according to Crucial, DDR2 PC2-8500, DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-5300, installed in pairs)

Various RAM:
Kingston ValueRAM 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2/1GR
Kingston ValueRAM 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Desktop Memory Model KVR533D2/1GR
Buffalo Select D2U667C-S512/BJ PC2-5300U-55 512MB 667 CL5
Oxcco 512MB PC2 4200 533

I do not have this RAM in my possession, but will likely purchase from a person on Craigslist:
2 x 1GB PNY DDR2 A0QFT DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)
1 SpecTek 2GB PC2 6400 DDR2 800

 

A couple things.

1. It is best to visit the motherboard maker's site and review the motherboard specifications and QVL (qualified vendor list) for RAM to ensure the RAM is compatible with that board.

2. I do not see any OS listed. Understand to take advantage of RAM over 4Gb, you MUST use a 64-bit OS. If you do not have 64-bit Windows installed on these machines, you will need to purchase a new Windows license.

 

Your plan seems good but personally I don't find it worth it to spend 80$ on DDR2 Memory these days.

Even if you install the Patriot ram and the other pair slow down, another 4GB will overshadow the mhz drop and most likely the difference would be noticeable only during benchmarks. Overall it would be an improvement.

Like I said in the beginning, I don't find 80$ worth it for a few more mhz. Personally If I'd have to spend that much on ram I'd just get a ddr3 ram motherboard, a cpu matching your Core 2 and 2x 4GB Sticks, Will cost more but future proof in the long run.