What's Sufficient Ram ? (& thanks all for the previous help-very appr

Robert11 · 28 May 2012

Hello,

Trying do decide on a new desktop pc.

All of itas usage would be a combination of emails, web surfing, and lots of watching videos of Grandson, and photos.

No gaming.

I do however have a software defined radio receiver, a WinRadio unit, hooked up to the pc for shortwave listening. Very software intensive.

Don't have a feel for this: do you think 4 GB of Ram would "probably" be enough ?

If marginal, where would I likely notice it ?

Have a three yr old hp pavilion desktop now. No idea how much ram came with it, but wouldn't surprise me if it was only four GB, but don't know.
BTW: what screen on pc would show me how much ?

Thanks,
Bob

whs · 28 May 2012

4GB would be ample. Even 3GB would be enough - like in the desktop that Doc posted in your other thread. That would be a nice system for what you are trying to use it for.

For your applications you would not be able to tell the difference between 3GB and 8GB. Your 3 year old HP probably had 2 or 3GB. That was typical in those days.

karlsnooks · 28 May 2012

WIN + BREAK keycombo
WIN=key with microsoft logo on top.

If you do not already know the make and model of your computer, then SPECCY or SIW will tell you.

WIN | type MSINFO32 | ENTER
will also tell you how much ram and much more about your system.

Here's how to fill in your system specs:

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (located on the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use Speccy (my favorite) or SIW or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on SAVE CHANGES.

Britton30 · 28 May 2012

Hi Robert, if you press the Win logo key and Pause Break at the same time your system properties window will open which will show you how much RAM is installed.
I personally would not run with less than 8GB 1600MHz RAM and others will surely disagree. 4GB is sufficient and will likely do what you want. since 2GB is what MS recommends for w7 64 bit.

EDIT: Two others are faster.

badcat · 28 May 2012

Just hit Win Key + Pause and you'll get the System Screen. This will have the info you need.

EDIT: I guess we were all hitting the post button at the same time...

Alejandro85 · 28 May 2012

For those kind of programs, I think "sufficient" would be only 2GB if running Win7 x86 or 3GB if x64. Those programs are really little and will not demand anything from the hardware so not-so-modern computer will suffice. My only doubt is the radio thing, as I don't know it's specs don't know for sure if that conservative amount will be enough. 4GB is a good mark if the computer is going to survive upgrades and still run smoothly I guess, but for your needs it's an enormous amount of memory. 8GB is an overkill for almost every app today, save the most CPU intensive task or servers.

karlsnooks · 29 May 2012

Bob,
As you see, there are many opinions on this topic.

One constant is whether you have a 64 or 32 bit version of Win 7.

Sufficient is a relative term with different interpretations.

I think all will agree that 8 GB is more than adequate.

My experience has been that the type of number of program run increases to match the amount of ram installed. (Karl's postulate #18)