computer started to get slow

[AElba]

Unfortunately my computer intel nuc8 (NUC Kit NUC8i7HNK) started to get slow especially in heavy softwares like visual studio that requires a lot of memory usage.

The strangest thing, when I look at memory utilization I do not see that utilizing everything usually reaches 12 out of 16 Gb ram, 3200 Mhz.

The second issue is - when i look at the performance in Task manager I see down memory slots used always on 1 of 2, is it ok ?

I would very much like to upgrade to a new computer with an 11th generation processor, the question is whether it's really time? Or do I just need to replace the memory cards with 2X16? Which will give me a few more years of good performance ? 

Any recommendations on suitable memory cards ?

Thanks !

Alon

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @AElba 

1. It looks to me that your computer works only with memory in one channel. You may use application CPU-Z to check the mode see the attached images. I suggest that you should check your NUC with one SODIMM at time, installed in each memory slot. This will help you to troubleshoot if both slots and both memory modules are working.

2. If you want to upgrade your NUC with 2 X 16GB memory, you should buy a kit of two identical modules. This may be an example.  Only kit of two identical modules, will ensure double channel memory work mode. 

3. On this page you may find a list of compatible memory modules validated by Intel for your NUC.

Leon

[AElba]

Hi Leon,

Thanks for your reply !

Looks like you've found the problem

1. This was really my suspicion and I did not believe it could really be, because still the memory usage costs over 8 GB (2 cards of 8). What could be the reason that the memory is used in one channel, is one of the cards broken? If so then how does 8 GB go through memory utilization anyway ?

Attached cpu-z screenshot

Thanks

Alon

[LeonWaksman]

Hi Alon,

Probably both slots are working but not simultaneously (i.e. your NUC works in single channel memory mode). The reason for this may in differences between each SODIM, rather than failure in SODIM or memory slot. Therefor you should use a kit of two SODIMMs. 

As I suggested you may check each SODIMM/slot separately.

I recommend to download MemTest86 Free and run the memory test. This takes some time, but it will test both SODIMM and theirs performance.

Leon

[AElba]

Hi Leon,

I have not yet had time to perform the test, but I tested another computer that is exactly the same as my computer and it turns out that the other computer also has the same problem (slots used 1 of 2).

these computers were purchased in different periods and came closed and complex.

I find it hard to believe that the memory cards are damaged on 2 computers.

I will update after memory test with MemTest86...

Thanks

Alon

[Janewi]

Hi,

How much RAM does the computer have?  If only 4 GB increase to 8 GB or more.

[AElba]

I got 2*8 = 16 gb

[ClariceStarling]

If you click on system settings/about your pc/installed RAM ... what does it say?

[AElba]

installed memory ram 16gb

[ClariceStarling]

If you go into command prompt and enter ...

wmic MemoryChip get MemoryType, Name, Capacity, Configuredclockspeed, DeviceLocator, FormFactor, Manufacturer, Serialnumber, Speed

it will give you more details, including the RAM manufacturer.  It's probably something like RAM made by two different manufacturers, which isn't recommended!

[AElba]

hi,

here is the cmd window, attached

[LeonWaksman]

Hi Alon

From the image attached (command prompt), it looks that you have only one 16GB SODIMM installed on your system. So, that is the reason that your system is working in single channel memory mode. See the attached image to see how two 8GB modules look after executing command suggested by @ClariceStarling in my NUC.

To complete the information please execute the following command in Command Prompt: wmic memorychip get devicelocator, partnumber

You will get the P/N and location of the SODIMM

Leon

[ClariceStarling]

Bingo!  Now that I look back at his CPU_Z post, it seems clear ... as it indicates 16GB and Single.

This sounds like some third-party build.    My guess is they didn't have 2 8GB sticks in stock, so they stuck in one 16GB stick!  

[AElba]

bingo

Thanks a lot for your help !

So, if i want to get more memory power , do I need to buy new 2*16 or add second 16gb card ?

Any suggestion for compatible memory cards ??

[ClariceStarling · Accepted solution]

If you want to be 100% sure, you would buy a kit of two identical RAM sticks, as Leon mentioned.

However, since you already know you have one Kingston 16GB card, it shouldn't be that hard to go on the Kingston website (or email Kingston with the serial number) and find one to match the one you have, since a 16GB card isn't cheap ... it's more than Starbucks coffee money!

[AElba]

attached cmd screen

[LeonWaksman]

Alon,

You attached the same image from your previous post. You should execute command:  wmic memorychip get devicelocator, partnumber then we will get P/N of the installed memory.

Leon

[AElba]

here is the right image

Thanks !

[LeonWaksman]

Hi Alon,

I don't know where you can buy Kingston KHX3200C20S4/16GX  memory.  

Leon

[ClariceStarling]

It doesn't look like Intel lists Kingston KHX3200C20S4/16GX as a compatible product.  Whoever built the NUC probably stuck some old RAM in there.  That's why next time you're better off to buy a NUC kit and pick your own parts ... then you at least know what you have!

[ClariceStarling]

If you already have 16GB, adding more RAM probably won't make your NUC noticeably faster ... you might be better off to buy a new computer. 

See what Leon thinks ... he has great knowledge!