RAM change
Windows optimization and RAM change
In this section, we’ll be talking about hardware upgrades, and RAM in particular. In the case of this Alienware M16 R1, we have the option of choosing the 2×8 Gb RAM version for €150 less than the 2×16 Gb version. Why would we do this? Quite simply, to enable us to upgrade to 2x 32 Gb of 5600 Cl40 for €225. 90, increasing the bill by €75. Or 2×16 Gb for €113. 90 for a final price cut of €40. All this while benefiting from faster memory and tighter timings.
Let’s take a look at our Kingston Fury Impact 5600 Mt/s CL40 2×32 Gb kit.
On CPU-Z we can see that the kit runs at the 5200 Mt/s limit for a tCL38. This grants a throughput gain of almost 10 Gb/s and a latency drop of 10ns on AIDA64, as well as a performance gain on most of our benchmarks.
Synthetic CPU and GPU performance
On Geekbench 3 and 5, to begin with, we note a gain in single-core and multi-core performance. The memory score on Geekbench 3 rises from 8016 points to 9374 points.
For the 3DMark suite, the gain is essentially on the CPU score, with minimal gains on Firestrike and Timespy.
Application CPU performance
On PCMark10 Application, the gain is also present, although once again very minimal given the M16 R1’s excellent basic performance.
Gaming performance
Let’s move on to game testing. With all the games previously tested in 1080p Ultra.
As we can see, the gain is really minimal, and for gaming use there will be little impact from a change of kit on big ultra games.
Although the performance gain is very minimal, the simple fact of saving money on the configuration by taking a faster 2×16 Gb kit is a good idea. Secondly, Dell’s 2×32 Gb kit costs €450 less than the 2×8 Gb kit. That’s a nice saving of €230, which you can use to buy a mouse, dock, bag and other accessories.
