Need Advice For Upgrading G75VW's RAM From 16GB To 32GB

[Enigma]

I recently found a topic here about this (http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?25311-Upgrading-G75-DS73-to-32GB-only-boots-with-24GB). I understand that 32 GB wont help me with gaming performance, but I would still like to use it for running multiple VMs, high-end graphics design software, RAMdisks, etc.

In the topic above a user describes not being able to boot up with 32 GB, but still being able to boot with less. And he states that he was using Corsair Vengeance sticks, whereas his friend was using the exact same thing with no ill effects. Now I'm a little wary of buying those since I might end up with the same issue and have to go thru the hassle of returning an otherwise perfectly good product. Later in that thread another user mentions buying Mushkin sticks and had no issues.

I know next to nothing about RAM or what the specs of the sticks I buy should be ( I do know how to install them properly though). Or what role timings, MHz, dual-channel (?), etc play in all of this. I just need something that's at least as fast as the sticks I already have and will give good performance, preferably it should also be viable for RAM overclocking and other tweaks. I still have the stocks sticks and they're perfectly fine, so I figure there's no use in buying 4 8GB sticks. Do all 4 sticks necessarily need to be the same manufacturer/type? Or can 2 be different from the stock sticks as long as they have similar specs? I think I'll probably go with the Mushkin chips unless someone can recommend something better. I'm also seeing some users here with the same/similar laptop as me and they have G.Skill in their signatures. Just figured I'd get a few questions answered before I go ahead with a purchase.

Thanks for any advice?

[Enigma]

OK, so i've been doing a little reading up on RAM for awhile (now that I've saved enough to buy all 4 sticks at once), and for me it's down to Mushkin or Corsair. But the Corsair makes me a bit wary because of the guy in the post I linked, that bought 2 dual channel sets and had major issues. I took a look at the Mushkin Enhanced Essentials linked in Rewben's post, and I also checked their website. Now I'm a bit confused because they sell different classes of RAM (Redline, Enhanced Essentials, etc). I'm thinking that some of them are probably better suited to OCing and gaming than the others, and I dont mind paying a premium for top-grade. Another thing that confuses me is, I plan to dabble in OCing a bit. But without something like a modded BIOS, etc, I wont be able to do that regardless of what sticks I buy. Or no? I'm also assuming that I should buy 2 paired dual channel sets (4x8GB), and that lower voltage is generally better. I still havent been able to check the timing etc on my laptop, I've been spending alot of time working and recovering from crashes.

So if you guys can give me a little more guidance, like some pros and cons, and what else I should look for, then that would be really helpful.

[Enigma]

As requested by Clintlgm, I have just taken screenshots with HWInfo64. I don't know how to interpret a lot of the data, so maybe the techies here can help me out a bit. This was taken on a freshly installed vanilla copy of Windows 8.1 Preview x64, and I don't currently have any drivers installed at all (not sure if that would negatively affect the accuracy of the readings is why I mention it).But anyway:





I decided not to take a screenshot of the specs for all 4 RAM sticks, since they are stock RAM and presumably have identical specs. I'm not sure what my timings and voltages are or the significance those things play when upgrading memory. It looks like my timings are 11-11-11-28 if I'm interpreting correctly, and I'm pretty sure I need sticks that run between 1600 to 1800-something MHz, and with a voltage of no more than 1.5V.

Thanks for any advice!

[rewben]

thanks for the screen shots. your 4 ram slots are fully occupied with 4x4gb. yes, it's 11-11-11-28 1600MHz 1.5v. so in order to get to 32gb, you need all 4 sticks replaced with 8gb each.

because you are going to swap all of them, timings become not important (it matters when you wanna find the matching rams only).

i will suggest you get something with 1.35v, because it could help to save some battery life (well, maybe not that significant). 1.5v works fine, too. the timings should not be lower than 10 (might be too aggressive for g75).

you can check here out for choices.

for 1.35v, my preferences are this and this.

[Enigma]

@ Rewben: Thanks for the response. You say that timings dont matter since I'm swapping all 4 sticks out, but that it does matter when matching sticks (dual-channel). That last part makes sense. But surely timings do matter. Am I correct in assuming that lower timings generally give better/faster performance? I'm not sure if the voltage really matters in my case, I rarely use my laptop when I'm not plugged in, and even then only for a short time. So even though lower voltage consumption is probably better, I dont think it will hurt anything to run at 1.50V, since that's what I already have anyway. As for the timings, why not lower than 10? I did a Google search and read some other forum posts stating to the effect that lower timings wont hurt anything. You say it *might* be too aggressive for the G75 to handle. What do you mean by that? I want to be able to run at a minumum of 1600 MHz, which I assume the G75 supports, maybe higher if available (anyone know of anything else?) And what is the highest MHz that the G75's mobo supports?

It looks like the speed is important, but timings seem to be even more important. I also want to be assured that I will be running at 1600 MHz minumum, rather than being downclocked to the 1300s (or less). Correct me if I'm wrong but I just kind of assume that if I buy 2 sets of identical dual channel RAM that supports 16xx MHz+, then it will run at that speed or higher. I'm also pretty sure the voltages would need to match, hence the need for dual-channel. But I dont think it particularly matters whether it runs at 1.35V or 1.50V. I say this because the guy (Quasimodem) that had the issues with his Corsair memory sticks said something along the lines that it needs to run at a specific voltage for it to run at 16xx MHz, and he also stated that the timings need to be 11-11-11-28. Even though you have stated that timings dont matter in my case.

And as I said before, I'm really only considering Mushkin or Corsair, maybe even G-Skill. I plan to do alot of gaming and OCing, I dont want general RAM that's designed for the average run-of-the-mill notebook. Which is my I'm limiting myself to those 3 brands at most, since I've read the most about them. A good warranty/return/refund policy is also very important, Mushkin seems to rank highest there. I read alot of posts where Corsair buyers had technical issues, as well as issues with customer support.

I dont want to take any major risks in installing this, I'm already voiding my warranty by accessing non-user serviceable areas, and I'm not very skilled with my hands or electronics repair/disassembly, which is why I'm being very careful. And of course I dont want to waste money on RAM that wont work, only to have to return/exchange it. I'm doing alot of research on this and getting 3rd opinions so that I get this right the first go-around. And I'm eager to go ahead and make a purchase within the next day or 2, but not if I'm not well-informed.

I took a look at the 1st link you gave. The Mushkin Enhanced Blackline looks particularly appealing, but it does have timings of 9-9-9-28, and voltage of 1.5V, which goes lower than the 10 you reccommend. What are the chances that my G75 will be able to successfully use this RAM without issues? The chances of failure? The Mushkin Enhanced Essentials also looks nice, and roughly matches the specs of the G75's stock memory. One listed G-Skill on that page has timings of 10-10-10, while the other has 11-11-11. It's just alot for me to evaluate is all. Also, what role does latency play? I assume that lower is better. In any case I plan to thoroughly test with MemTest.

Last, when it comes to OCing RAM, how would I go about that? Does it have to be supported in the BIOS? Would I need a modded BIOS? Or does the type of memory I'm looking for auto-OC itself and is auto-recognized by the mobo/cpu? I want to mess around with OCing which is part of the reason why I'm upgrading. Maybe someone can give some useful links pointing me in the right direction on this.

Well, thanks for any responses!

[rewben]

Enigma wrote:
@ Rewben: Thanks for the response. You say that timings dont matter since I'm swapping all 4 sticks out, but that it does matter when matching sticks (dual-channel). That last part makes sense. But surely timings do matter. Am I correct in assuming that lower timings generally give better/faster performance? I'm not sure if the voltage really matters in my case, I rarely use my laptop when I'm not plugged in, and even then only for a short time. So even though lower voltage consumption is probably better, I dont think it will hurt anything to run at 1.50V, since that's what I already have anyway. As for the timings, why not lower than 10? I did a Google search and read some other forum posts stating to the effect that lower timings wont hurt anything. You say it *might* be too aggressive for the G75 to handle. What do you mean by that? I want to be able to run at a minumum of 1600 MHz, which I assume the G75 supports, maybe higher if available (anyone know of anything else?) And what is the highest MHz that the G75's mobo supports?

It looks like the speed is important, but timings seem to be even more important. I also want to be assured that I will be running at 1600 MHz minumum, rather than being downclocked to the 1300s (or less). Correct me if I'm wrong but I just kind of assume that if I buy 2 sets of identical dual channel RAM that supports 16xx MHz+, then it will run at that speed or higher. I'm also pretty sure the voltages would need to match, hence the need for dual-channel. But I dont think it particularly matters whether it runs at 1.35V or 1.50V. I say this because the guy (Quasimodem) that had the issues with his Corsair memory sticks said something along the lines that it needs to run at a specific voltage for it to run at 16xx MHz, and he also stated that the timings need to be 11-11-11-28. Even though you have stated that timings dont matter in my case.

i said timings do not matter in your case, because you're not matching the new ram with stock ram (downclocking might happen due to different timings here). so you can choose whatever ram you want, with whatever timings you need.

yes, timings are important for performance reasons, the tighter the better. however, from what i've observed, the problem with asus laptops is that they are somewhat 'picky' about rams, and timings and ram size seemed to play some roles in this.

11-11-11-28 1.5v by default should run fine up until 32gb.

if you searched through this forum, you should be able to find that a friend here tried to put kingston hyperx into the machine; but it would not boot. Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz (10-10-10-27) starts to show inconsistency (meaning some have issues; some don't). about voltage, it's better to make sure all of your rams have the same voltage requirements.

And as I said before, I'm really only considering Mushkin or Corsair, maybe even G-Skill. I plan to do alot of gaming and OCing, I dont want general RAM that's designed for the average run-of-the-mill notebook. Which is my I'm limiting myself to those 3 brands at most, since I've read the most about them. A good warranty/return/refund policy is also very important, Mushkin seems to rank highest there. I read alot of posts where Corsair buyers had technical issues, as well as issues with customer support.

i am running G.Skill 10-10-10-28 1.5v 32gb ram; and i have no problem whatsoever.

I dont want to take any major risks in installing this, I'm already voiding my warranty by accessing non-user serviceable areas, and I'm not very skilled with my hands or electronics repair/disassembly, which is why I'm being very careful. And of course I dont want to waste money on RAM that wont work, only to have to return/exchange it. I'm doing alot of research on this and getting 3rd opinions so that I get this right the first go-around. And I'm eager to go ahead and make a purchase within the next day or 2, but not if I'm not well-informed.

good for you 🙂 .. and i just share what i know to help you on that hehe..

I took a look at the 1st link you gave. The Mushkin Enhanced Blackline looks particularly appealing, but it does have timings of 9-9-9-28, and voltage of 1.5V, which goes lower than the 10 you reccommend. What are the chances that my G75 will be able to successfully use this RAM without issues? The chances of failure? The Mushkin Enhanced Essentials also looks nice, and roughly matches the specs of the G75's stock memory. One listed G-Skill on that page has timings of 10-10-10, while the other has 11-11-11. It's just alot for me to evaluate is all. Also, what role does latency play? I assume that lower is better. In any case I plan to thoroughly test with MemTest.

oh.. the first link is for your reference only (and no, they're not my recommendations). when you checked that page, you should be able to find what your preferred rams in the list, too. the ones that prove to work was here (they're also in the list, too).

i have no idea if that 9-9-9-28 works for your system sorry 😕 if i referred to the case of hyperx, i suggest you don't get that one.

Last, when it comes to OCing RAM, how would I go about that? Does it have to be supported in the BIOS? Would I need a modded BIOS? Or does the type of memory I'm looking for auto-OC itself and is auto-recognized by the mobo/cpu? I want to mess around with OCing which is part of the reason why I'm upgrading. Maybe someone can give some useful links pointing me in the right direction on this.

sorry again i don't know about OC'ing rams. i know my G55 209 bios has this, but i don't do this.

[Enigma]

Well, I finally made up my mind. I decided to buy 2 pairs of the Mushkin Enhanced Blackline memory, even despite the lower memory timings, and even though it's not on the list of known working memory for the G75 in your other thread. I'll post back in that thread if it works out, with some MemTest results if I can. Then maybe you can add it to the list. Worst case scenario is that it doesnt work and I have to return it and find something else. So it's an informed gamble. Then again so is life.

Thanks for the help!

[rewben]

ok 🙂 thanks for trying this high performance ram out, too. all the best!

[cgren]

im sad im too late for this, i got lucky, when i bought my 16gb mems, i was trying to find corsair or gskill for my ram upgrade, but there where no stocks, the only one's available are the Crucial 16gb sodimms, i decided to get one, when i installed it, i realized that the 8GB mems stock cant be removed, so i decided to install the 16GB + the stock 8GB, then run Hwinfo, then boom all specs matched, even the timings, the only difference is the voltage, the stock is @ 1.5V and the Crucial is @ 1.35 but the other infos matched.

[Enigma]

Well, I'm both angered and saddened to say that this will be my last post on the ROG forums (never posted much anyways, but that's besides the point). The day before yesterday my residence was burglarized and everything was stolen except minor items like clothes, food, etc. So my laptop is gone. I had already ordered the RAM and some other accessories and upgrades for the G75 just 2 days before this happened. I have not yet received those items. I will never know whether the new RAM will be compatible so I wont be able to provide those results.

So now I'm planning to move into a new apartment in a better community that is gated and coded so that you need to enter a PIN to enter. In the meantime I'll have to save up for a few months until I can afford what I want. But it wont be the G75VX or anyything else by ASUS. It will probably be either a Sager/Clevo custom build or a high end MSi. I have had a long run with ASUS for over 5 yrs now, having owned several laptops by them and only had some minor issues, for the most part they have treated me well. But now I want something that will essentially be future-proofed for the new few yrs, and what I'm getting will be around $3500+ with the best mobile processor available, 2 GPUs, etc. I have heard that Sager is super-tough and durable and meant to take a beating even when pushed to their outer limits, and that's exactly what I want next. Plus I want a custom build now that I think about it. I want to try something different as well.

I will still continue to buy ASUS products in the future, mostly a tablet and an ultrabook, since they seem to be the top-rated in those markets. In the meantime I can still use the upgrades I bought in whatever laptop I buy, they are universally compatible components that can be used in most notebooks. So at least I can save a bit of money.

Well, just wanted to give an update and bid farewell. Thanks for reading!

[tului]

Why didn't you have insurance? Renter's or Homeowner's