I installed four (two pairs) of these DDR3 memory modules in one of my home-built computers (for a total of 8 GB). They have operated flawlessly for two years.
For the 8 GB kit, see:
Corsair XMS3 8 GB (2 x 4GB) 1333 MHz PC3-10666 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit CMX8GX3M2A1333C9
.
Make sure and certain your computer's motherboard uses DDR3 memory. Before you order memory modules, you should review the webpage and "User Guide" for your motherboard. For example, the ASUS website provides a “Qualified Vendor Lists” (QVL) of compatible memory for the motherboard I used in this build. Your motherboard's vendor may have a similar list. If you purchased a ready-built computer, then look on the manufacturer's website to verify that you are purchasing the correct memory, or give them a call.
My computer's motherboard requires DDR3 dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), installed in "matched sets" for "dual channel" function. My motherboard's "User Guide" recommends installing DIMMs from the same vendor, with the same CAS latency, and of the same version or date code (D/C). Therefore, it may be best to install all memory at once (in the initial build) instead of waiting to add more memory at some future date (although I have never had a problem doing that).
Please note: If you are only installing two DIMMS, you may need to install them in only two specific slots on the mother board (i.e., you can't just install them in any two slots). Check the "User Guide" for your motherboard to ensure that you are inserting the DIMMs in the correct slots. Since I filled all four memory slots on the motherboard this was not a concern for me.
No matter how much physical memory you install, your copy of the Windows operating system may limit how much memory your computer can use. The 32 bit versions of Windows can only address a maximum of 4 GB of memory, with only (about) 3.5 GB of that usable. Windows 7 or Windows Vista Home Premium can only use 16 GB; Windows 7 or Windows Vista Home Basic can only use 8 GB. Memory limits are not an issue with later versions of Windows.
I recommend that you run a memory test on your newly-installed memory. I used Memtest86+ (it's free). Extract the image (iso) file from the ZIP file, and then create a bootable CD by burning disc from image (do NOT copy the iso file to CD, burn disc from image). I ran this memory test prior to loading the operating system.
| RAM | 2 GB ddr3_sdram |
|---|---|
| Memory Speed | 1600 MHz |
