Need Help Updating Ram...

I have an old PC and I was considering a RAM update, because Photoshop is slow and even as we speak my RAM usage is at 60% just with firefox, steam, discord, and a firewall running (as well as background window processes, probably itunes also). As a secondary objective I would like to optimize my PC to use less RAM and perform better. I've already done this windows side, limited windows graphic settings like transparency and shadows for icons etc.

I need help deciding what ram to get. I want to know if I can get this RAM and if my computer can actually use it at the speed given. But, also if the 16 gigs will make a difference from the 8 gigs i have enough to notice even a small performance increase. I need to be *SURE* that RAM clocked at 1600mhz will not destroy my controller chip on my motherboard over time, even though my motherboard specifications say it is designed for those speeds easily. So I need a certified hardware expert to walk me through the decision and explain everything.

Now onto my specs:
Motherboard: ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme
CPU: AMD Phenom II 6-core 1100 T processor (Socket AM3)
Current RAM: Patriot Viper Memory 4096 MB PC3-10700 667mhz 1600ll series (1333mhz)
I have two of these making it 8Gigs dual channel.
OS: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

Motherboard Memory specifications/considerations:
4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR3 2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*Due to CPU spec., AMD 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066Mhz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.
Please refer to www.asus.com or user manual for Memory QVL.
When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.

Current Memory Readings using Speccy Program:

RAM
Memory slots
Total memory slots 4
Used memory slots 2
Free memory slots 2
Memory
Type DDR3
Size 8192 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 668.9 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 9 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 9 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 9 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 24 clocks
Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 33 clocks
Command Rate (CR) 1T
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 60 %
Total Physical 8.00 GB
Available Physical 3.17 GB
Total Virtual 15 GB
Available Virtual 7.70 GB
SPD
Number Of SPD Modules 2
Slot #1
Slot #2

A big question I have is what is a QVL (qualified vendors list). Do I need to absolutely use those items on the list only as it guarantees performance/safety? Because I noticed the QVL for this motherboard has nothing that reaches 16gigs of ram. I've attached the QVL for this motherboard.

 

Understand it is okay to use 60% or even more of your RAM. Unused RAM is underutilized RAM. You just don't want to run out of RAM.

It is smart you are looking at the QVLs. But note there are just too many RAM makers and models for board makers to test them all. So you don't have to buy listed RAM, but you should buy RAM with the same specs as listed RAM.

Note almost all of the major RAM makers have RAM wizards on their sites. These either let you plug in your system specs, or you download a small program that analyses your computer. Either way is fine. The wizard then recommends compatible RAM.

In the case of Crucial and its Crucial Memory Advisor, if you buy directly from them, they guarantee compatibility.

 

Alright thank you, that's useful to know!

So if it was you, then you would have no concerns of a 1600mhz ram of being utilized only at 1333mhz within this setup? like it doesn't seem the RAM would be throttled because of the CPU? do you think an upgrade to 16 gigs would improve anything?

 

FWIW...
If you're concerned with high RAM usage download MemInfo.
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/meminfo.html

Right-click the icon in the Notification Area and you'll see what programs/processes are using the most RAM.
Of course you can see even more in Task Manager but MemInfo is a quick solution.

 

RAM runs at the speed it is told to run at, not at the maximum speed it can. It is actually quite common to use faster RAM in a slower setup. The RAM will toggle down to the lowest common speeds.

 

Alright thanks for your input everyone!