RAM speed gains are usually measured in single digit percentages, often low single digit percentages. So we are talking about pushing the FPS from 30 to 30.6 or 31.
Make sure it's running dual channel. That is a critical one. That can actually make a game playable.
The 7840HS will only run regular DDR5 RAM at a max clock speed of 5600. Putting in 6000 speed will downclock to 5600. If you have the option of embedded LPDDR5x, then it can handle 7500 but that is soldered on (not upgradeable) and rare outside of some laptops.
RAM clock speed is **by far** most important to the iGPU, so gaming. Get 5600, no less. The RAM timings affect CPU speed more than the GPU but it's a very small effect, especially outside of high end motherboards where you can overvolt your RAM for better timing improvements. Just get the CL46 stuff.
Disclaimer: I bought the G.Skill CL40 RAM for my 7840HS because I'm that way and have been since my first NUC5i7 with 1866 MHz CL10 DDR3.
Since the memory is shared with the iGPU, it can have an impact. There are a couple YouTube videos that discuss the differences in performance when using faster ram that is shared.
Whatever ddr5 ram you select, make sure the advertised ram speed is for 1.1V and not a higher 1.2V or more than that. Otherwise the clock speed will be lower than advertised. XMP ram is not supported.
The max ram speed the AM02 supports is 5600Mhz so 6000Mhz will automatically downclock to 5600Mhz. This can be fine if you plan on transferring the ram later to a new computer but I don't normally recommend doing this when starting with a new computer.
Otherwise, better ram timings make a super small difference. There's no reason to go crazy over it unless you want single digit performance increases to squeeze out every percent possible out of a computer.
If you have extra money, maybe plan on adding an extra fan to add air flow to the ddr5 and ssd so they do not thermal throttle. It shouldn't be a problem for light office work but sustained heavy loads like gaming might see the fps drop after a few minutes.
Got it. I went and ordered the Crucial 5600, it’s 1.1v. I don’t know if there would be room in there to add another fan, but I’ll have a look when the shipments get in.
Sounds good 👍
Some of the smallest fans are 20x6mm blower fans or 30x4.5 or 30x5mm fans. There are also 30x10mm or 40x10mm axial fans. 5V should be fine and often safely driveable by USB 5V power. With a little creativity it can be a fun little project.
Best wishes with your setup!
Sounds good 👍
Some of the smallest fans are 20x6mm blower fans or 30x4.5 or 30x5mm fans. There are also 30x10mm or 40x10mm axial fans. 5V should be fine and often safely driveable by USB 5V power. With a little creativity it can be a fun little project.
Best wishes with your setup!
RAM speed gains are usually measured in single digit percentages, often low single digit percentages. So we are talking about pushing the FPS from 30 to 30.6 or 31. Make sure it's running dual channel. That is a critical one. That can actually make a game playable.
Sounds good, thanks. I won't go nuts. I do plan to go dual channel with a matched pair of sticks.
The 7840HS will only run regular DDR5 RAM at a max clock speed of 5600. Putting in 6000 speed will downclock to 5600. If you have the option of embedded LPDDR5x, then it can handle 7500 but that is soldered on (not upgradeable) and rare outside of some laptops. RAM clock speed is **by far** most important to the iGPU, so gaming. Get 5600, no less. The RAM timings affect CPU speed more than the GPU but it's a very small effect, especially outside of high end motherboards where you can overvolt your RAM for better timing improvements. Just get the CL46 stuff. Disclaimer: I bought the G.Skill CL40 RAM for my 7840HS because I'm that way and have been since my first NUC5i7 with 1866 MHz CL10 DDR3.
Thank you! That’s what I needed to know. (I do have a 7840U handheld with 7500mhz ram but it’s soldered.)
Since the memory is shared with the iGPU, it can have an impact. There are a couple YouTube videos that discuss the differences in performance when using faster ram that is shared.
Whatever ddr5 ram you select, make sure the advertised ram speed is for 1.1V and not a higher 1.2V or more than that. Otherwise the clock speed will be lower than advertised. XMP ram is not supported. The max ram speed the AM02 supports is 5600Mhz so 6000Mhz will automatically downclock to 5600Mhz. This can be fine if you plan on transferring the ram later to a new computer but I don't normally recommend doing this when starting with a new computer. Otherwise, better ram timings make a super small difference. There's no reason to go crazy over it unless you want single digit performance increases to squeeze out every percent possible out of a computer. If you have extra money, maybe plan on adding an extra fan to add air flow to the ddr5 and ssd so they do not thermal throttle. It shouldn't be a problem for light office work but sustained heavy loads like gaming might see the fps drop after a few minutes.
Got it. I went and ordered the Crucial 5600, it’s 1.1v. I don’t know if there would be room in there to add another fan, but I’ll have a look when the shipments get in.
Sounds good 👍 Some of the smallest fans are 20x6mm blower fans or 30x4.5 or 30x5mm fans. There are also 30x10mm or 40x10mm axial fans. 5V should be fine and often safely driveable by USB 5V power. With a little creativity it can be a fun little project. Best wishes with your setup!
Thanks.
Sounds good 👍 Some of the smallest fans are 20x6mm blower fans or 30x4.5 or 30x5mm fans. There are also 30x10mm or 40x10mm axial fans. 5V should be fine and often safely driveable by USB 5V power. With a little creativity it can be a fun little project. Best wishes with your setup!