RAM changes
Windows optimization and RAM change
In this section, we’re going to talk about hardware upgrades and RAM in particular. In the case of this Dell Gaming G16, we have the option of choosing the RAM in a 2×8 GB RAM and Linux version for €300 less than 2×16 GB. Why would we do that? Quite simply, to enable us to upgrade to 2x 32 GB of 5600 Cl40 at €229. 90, dropping the bill by €70 without Windows. Or 2×16 GB at €130. 90, for a final price cut of €170. 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 4800 Mt/s limit for a tCL36. This grants a 10 Gb/s gain and a 3 ns drop in latency 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.
Game performance
Let’s move on to the in-game tests. With all the games previously tested in 1080p Ultra.
As we can see, the gain is really minimal overall, and for gaming use there will be little impact from a change of kit on big ultra games. There is, however, a significant gain on Anno 1800.
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 2×16 GB kit costs €100 less than the 2×8 GB kit. That’s a nice saving of €270, which you can use to buy a mouse, dock, bag and other accessories.
