I'm no techy but could anyone help me with a rig

[Antman]

I can get 8gb for $100, should I just get 8?

In all likelihood, NO.

4x 2GB RAM sticks will require more power pumped through the chipset - a setting probably not provided on your mobo. HP only recommends/approves 4GB (4x 1GB sticks, not 2x 2GB sticks).

If you were to come into my shop, we would plug in a variety of RAM configs and test. Unless you have the ability to do that at a local shop, I would stick with 4x 1GB sticks of RAM.

Anyway, unless you running multiple VMs or editing audio/video files or performing some other RAM intensive work, you will see little, if any, benefit from 8GB vs 4GB.

 

[Parker]

Should I just upgrade my motherboard?

 

[Antman]

A CPU upgrade should accompany a mobo upgrade.

You are making a big jump here. What software are you planning on using?

I would use what I have.

 

[Parker]

A CPU upgrade should accompany a mobo upgrade.

You are making a big jump here. What software are you planning on using?

I would use what I have.

Mostly just Battlefield 2, I wouldn't mind running a few other games, Adobe Fireworks CS4, VLC, itunes/winamp etc

 

[Antman]

Your system is pretty much all that it can be at this point. You could get an SSD, but not for $100.

You are experiencing the sad truth about systems built and sold by Compaq/HP/Dell/etc. They cannot really be upgraded. They are designed to be replaced, not improved.

Buying a new mobo IS buying a new computer.

Save up a little. You can get a nice mobo/CPU package, or a bare bones kit, for a decent price. Go quad-core when you do. Do not get caught up in high CPU speeds.

 

[smarteyeball]

Your system is pretty much all that it can be at this point.

+1

Unfortunately with all machines, there is a realistic limit to which you can upgrade.

As for RAM, you aren't limited to just DDR2 667 - you can still use DDR2 800 mhz (PC 6400) or even DDR2 1066 (PC 8500) as long the modules support lower speeds.



2x2GB = 4GB is plenty for what you want to do.

Realistically, to achieve the performance gain you're hoping for you'd be looking at basically a whole upgrade ie Mobo, CPU, RAM, Video Card.

 

[Antman]

Good analysis, SmartEyeball.

I would caution about investing in the RAM though, as a new mobo would likely use DDR3. Even if a new mobo would use DDR2 1066, I do not see it as a wise investment in the short term.

Dollar for dollar, I don't see enough of an advantage. Sometimes, our anticipation and expectations are simply not met with faster RAM Speeds - especially if we do not have a specific existing need for it.

 

[smarteyeball]

Sometimes, our anticipation and expectations are simply not met with faster RAM Speeds -

Very true. I went from running 8GB @ 895mhz with looser latencies, back to 4GB @ 1095mhz and tighter timings and on day to day tasks, I haven't noticed a lick of difference in desktop or games performance / loading times.