How Much RAM Should I Have?

[whs]

I would have to agree - going beyond 4GBs of RAM will probably not do much for you. More RAM may be used for additional caching depending on the type of program you will be running - and that increases performance. But for gaming, a decent graphics card will probably do you more good.

 

[Wishmaster]

8GB of RAM will only help you in certain situations.

1. Running multiple Virtual Machines
2. Heavy Video Encoding work (Primarily HD content)

Even then, it likely will not use all of it. I do alot of heavy HD encoding and typically can reach around 5.5GB of use with 8GB installed. But thats also with many other things going on at the same time.

3. Some of the more heavy Photoshop work and 3D rendering.

Although it will help slightly doing these type of things, 4GB would still be sufficent IMO. 8GB will only be useful is you do these types of things very often.

As stated already, as far as Gaming & amount of RAM is concerned, 8GB is simply too much. 4GB is plenty (At least at this point)


So as many have stated, and I too agree:
For 90% of everyone 4GB of physical RAM is more than enough.
The rest that can make use of it will see the benefits, but could get by with out as well.

Also remember, More RAM (4x2GB) puts more of a strain on the system, Or more heat. many may not see this a issue, but something to think about none-the-less.
Especially if you really do not need all that extra RAM.

For gaming, your better off getting a good set of 2x2GB RAM, and put that money youd save from that second set towards a better GPU,CPU,SSD for the OS, or a better Power Supply (if needed for the GPU) even. You'll see far better results.

 

[stormy13]

As for what Doc said, you can use 667mhz RAM, but with RAM if you have 400mhz RAM already installed, running both will set all to the lower speed. I didn't know you could use PC2-5300 (667mhz)... the info I saw from your specs is that you are currently using PC2-3200 (399mhz)

Almost willing to bet that he actually has DDR2 800. Danielzxzx in Speccy click on RAM and post a screen shot of it please.

 

[Danielzxzx]

Ok here is the pictures. I had to make 2 pictures to get all the info.

 

[Petey7]

Yep, DDR2 800 RAM. I stand by what I said before. Go for a new video card.

 

[whs]

Yep, DDR2 800 RAM. I stand by what I said before. Go for a new video card.

How come I do not see DDR2 800. I see DDR2 400 with a high CAS latency.

 

[stormy13]

Yep, DDR2 800 RAM. I stand by what I said before. Go for a new video card.

This would be your best choice. More ram will not improve how fast the onboard video works, only a video card can help with that. The one good thing is that if you do decide to go to 4 GB for example you should only need to get a similar spec'ed 2 GB stick to go with the one you already have.

How come I do not see DDR2 800. I see DDR2 400 with a high CAS latency.

Because you're forgetting the double in DDR. If it helps any Speccy shows mine the exact same way and I know for a fact that it is DDR2 800 in mine.

What would be interesting is if those 2 sticks (1 GB and 2 GB) will work in dual channel mode if put in the proper slots (usually 1-2/3-4 or 1-3/2-4).

 

[Danielzxzx]

ok so is there any way to find out which graphics card is compatible?

 

[whs]

ok so is there any way to find out which graphics card is compatible?

There is usually no big problem with the compatibility. You need a PCI Express 2.0x16 (or 2.1x16) and the proper space in the box. It is more a matte of price and whether your PSU has enough power.

 

[Danielzxzx]

Ok, I will look for a graphics card that is not too expensive and when I found one, I'll tell you and see if it is good enough.

 

[Wishmaster]

Not sure what your budget is but a couple suggestions if you care to look.

This 4850 would be 1 good choice:
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100273L Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

The downdside is doesn't have DX11 capability but can do DX10.1.
It also uses a bit more power than the 5K series.

This 5770 is a decent card and uses less power. it is also capable of DX 11, but costs more.
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100283-3L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

As far as a PSU:
400W (30A) Corsair
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Or
450W (33A) Corsair
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

If DX11 isnt a huge deal to you, I would go with the 4850 and one of the 2 Power Supplies.

The 400W should be able to power a single 4850 without issue. the 450 will give just a little more headroom for future upgrades.
Should also be a huge improvement gaming for you.

But, it really comes down to preference and budget I suppose.
Just some thoughts and suggestions.

Found this earlier looking around. A comparison of power use for a few ATI cards. If it helps any.

 

[Danielzxzx]

I might go with the 4850 as it is cheaper and it should work. DX11 is not a big deal to me since I don't even know what things require DX11. If you know any, tell me since I would like to know to make sure the I don't have anything that uses DX11. Anyway, so 4850 should increase performance and graphics in games but what my dolphin wii emulator. Those games require really good computer. Would 4850 be good enough to take out the lag in my dolphin wii emulator?

 

[Zepher]

8GB of RAM will only help you in certain situations.

1. Running multiple Virtual Machines
2. Heavy Video Encoding work (Primarily HD content)

Even then, it likely will not use all of it. I do alot of heavy HD encoding and typically can reach around 5.5GB of use with 8GB installed. But thats also with many other things going on at the same time.

3. Some of the more heavy Photoshop work and 3D rendering.

why do you need lots of ram for video encoding?
One of our HD workstations only has 2GB of ram and when doing encodes, the source footage is on one drive and the encode gets written to another drive.

 

[computertech19]

If I were you I would get 4GB of ram or more if possible. If you game a lot than 4-6GB should be great. I currently have 4GB of DDR3 in my laptop and it runs Modern Warfare and Battlefield and Starcraft 2 just fine.