More than 2GB RAM useless?

strangedays · 09-05-2006, 12:40 AM

I'm currently thinking of upgrading the amount of RAM but I'm curious if it's just going to lead to redundancy. I currently have 2GB installed. I'm thinking of adding an additonal 2GB for a total of 4.

I only ask because I've heard somewhere or another that you can reach a certain point where adding more RAM really doesn't boost your performance.

I'm running Windows XP if anyone's curious.

Opinions are appreciated.

Indoril Nerevar · 09-05-2006, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strangedays

I've heard somewhere or another that you can reach a certain point where adding more RAM really doesn't boost your performance.

2GB is that point.

Do you do any heavy video editing, or detailed 3D graphic design, or anythinglike that? If not, you're really not going to notice any performance increase if you add more RAM. 2GB is plenty for just about everything. Even video editing and such rarely uses more than 2GB.

My advice is to save the money, or spend it on an upgrade for a different component. More RAM will just be a waste of money.

**PanamaGal** · 09-05-2006, 12:58 AM

What are you doing with your computer? For most people, 2GB is plenty. However, avid gamers sometimes have more, as do some who must run several memory intensive programs at once.

**TheMatt** · 09-05-2006, 09:00 AM

If your video card uses a very large chunk of system RAM for video memory, you might notice some improvement, but for the most part your computer won't utilize it.

**Cellus** · 09-05-2006, 12:30 PM

You only really need more RAM for that machine if you're multi-tasking with multiple applications running at the same time. 2GB is just dandy for a gaming machine (I almost never surpass 2GB in memory usage while gaming).

strangedays · 09-06-2006, 12:09 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I do a lot of gaming. But I'm always looking to eke out more performance. And I now I know I'm where I need to be :D

The only time I can really think of when my computer drags is playing the videogame Rollercoaster Tycoon 3. If too much occurs on screen it just chugs along. However, I think that's a video card issue and not RAM related.

Thanks again everyone.

09-05-2006, 12:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
strangedays Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 33 OS: WinXP	More than 2GB RAM useless? I'm currently thinking of upgrading the amount of RAM but I'm curious if it's just going to lead to redundancy. I currently have 2GB installed. I'm thinking of adding an additonal 2GB for a total of 4. I only ask because I've heard somewhere or another that you can reach a certain point where adding more RAM really doesn't boost your performance. I'm running Windows XP if anyone's curious. Opinions are appreciated.

09-05-2006, 12:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
PanamaGal Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Panama Posts: 1,240 OS: WinXP Pro SP2; Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista Ultimate; Vista Business	What are you doing with your computer? For most people, 2GB is plenty. However, avid gamers sometimes have more, as do some who must run several memory intensive programs at once. __________________ It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.

09-05-2006, 09:00 AM	#4 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	If your video card uses a very large chunk of system RAM for video memory, you might notice some improvement, but for the most part your computer won't utilize it. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

09-05-2006, 12:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cellus Moderator Networking Team Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,664 OS: Windows Vista Business SP1, Windows XP Professional SP3 My System	You only really need more RAM for that machine if you're multi-tasking with multiple applications running at the same time. 2GB is just dandy for a gaming machine (I almost never surpass 2GB in memory usage while gaming). __________________ TSF Networking Team Virus/Trojan/Spyware Removal Help Donate!

09-06-2006, 12:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
strangedays Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 33 OS: WinXP	Thanks for all the responses. I do a lot of gaming. But I'm always looking to eke out more performance. And I now I know I'm where I need to be :D The only time I can really think of when my computer drags is playing the videogame Rollercoaster Tycoon 3. If too much occurs on screen it just chugs along. However, I think that's a video card issue and not RAM related. Thanks again everyone.