Will Windows 7, 64-bit HOG RAM?

Louisaz said:

I like your logic! So why don't I simply add another 4GBs of RAM and call it a day.

Sure...you just may find that you don't use anywhere near all of it. I have 2 boxes with 8GB of RAM each...and unless I am running 3+ Virtual Machines concurrently I never come close to maxing out the machine.

Most people seem huge increases from 1 to 2GB. A small increase from 2 to 4GB and almost nothing going from 4GB to 8GB.

The less strain you have on the PSU, the better. If you go by the old bridge builders rule, the safety factor is 3x the required.

PS: what pparks says makes a lot of sense.

Louisaz said:

Again, my current Dell, with 2GBs of RAM, a slower dual core Intel processor, and integrated graphics doesn't complain -- with smaller CAD and Sketchup files. I will have to run my existing CAD and graphics in the 32-bit mode (virtual XP machine) -- which is why I will use the Windows 7 professional -- or I must upgrade the to the 64-bit versions of the programs. IF I run them in the 32-bit mode, I cannot see how I'd have an issue. If I upgrade the programs and use large files, I'll likely have to graduate to a fast, independent graphics card and 4 more GBs of RAM.

Are you sure you have to run AutoCAD in a virtual machine? Windows 64-bit can run 32-bit programs just fine. But if you use a virtual machine you can kiss any type of performance good bye.

pparks1 said:

Louisaz said:

I like your logic! So why don't I simply add another 4GBs of RAM and call it a day.

Sure...you just may find that you don't use anywhere near all of it. I have 2 boxes with 8GB of RAM each...and unless I am running 3+ Virtual Machines concurrently I never come close to maxing out the machine.

Most people seem huge increases from 1 to 2GB. A small increase from 2 to 4GB and almost nothing going from 4GB to 8GB.

This has been my experience as well.

However, I do find that w/the 8GB it seems to use slightly more RAM overall for in-use status, and usually fills standby RAM as well, with 0 free.
Which IMO is a good thing.

Things seem slightly more responsive to me as well, (especially ALT=Tabbing etc)
Likely just the fact more RAM available and its using more of it though.

But it never really comes close to using it all as in-use. Only as standby.

whs said:

The less strain you have on the PSU, the better. If you go by the old bridge builders rule, the safety factor is 3x the required.

PS: what pparks says makes a lot of sense.

Note that with PSU's that's not necessarily true. PSU's become less efficient at lower and higher power draws than their rating. Most quality PSU's have about an 80% efficiency at their base rating, and that efficiency drops when pulling more or less than that load. A good rule of thumb is to size your system to draw about 60% of your PSU's continuous power rating.

PhreePhly said:

whs said:

The less strain you have on the PSU, the better. If you go by the old bridge builders rule, the safety factor is 3x the required.

PS: what pparks says makes a lot of sense.

Note that with PSU's that's not necessarily true. PSU's become less efficient at lower and higher power draws than their rating. Most quality PSU's have about an 80% efficiency at their base rating, and that efficiency drops when pulling more or less than that load. A good rule of thumb is to size your system to draw about 60% of your PSU's continuous power rating.

Of course you don't need 3 times - I was just joking. Your 60% rule seems reasonable but I was not aware of it. I just wing it and then a bit more beef is safer.

whs said:

PhreePhly said:

whs said:

The less strain you have on the PSU, the better. If you go by the old bridge builders rule, the safety factor is 3x the required.

PS: what pparks says makes a lot of sense.

Note that with PSU's that's not necessarily true. PSU's become less efficient at lower and higher power draws than their rating. Most quality PSU's have about an 80% efficiency at their base rating, and that efficiency drops when pulling more or less than that load. A good rule of thumb is to size your system to draw about 60% of your PSU's continuous power rating.

Of course you don't need 3 times - I was just joking. Your 60% rule seems reasonable but I was not aware of it. I just wing it and then a bit more beef is safer.

Sorry, wasn't trying to step on any toes. PSU's are probably one of the least understood of the components needed for a home-built PC. I've seem guys go out and buy these 1 kW monsters to run systems that draw 250 - 300 Watts. I try to explain to them that they will be wasting power and generating more heat inside their systems.

To the OP,

You can do what you are planning to do easily with 4 GB RAM, however, given the price of RAM compared to your entire build, and the fact that Win 7 Professional can easily see and use it, why not just go for 8 GB. That extra RAM will give you room to grow and will keep you fairly current for the next few years.