Upgrading RAM, How much Recommended?

Oseth · 09-11-2008, 08:49 PM

Hey guys,

I am looking to upgrade my computer but first things first, I will need to buy myself some RAM. I have 1 GB and I am pretty sure I am out-of-date now with some of today's computers.

How much do you think I should get? Now sure, 8 GBs will be great, But I am looking for enough that I won't have to spend lots of money. Lets not get too creative now

I am trying not to spend over 100-200 dollars on RAM, any suggestions?

Jickles · 09-11-2008, 09:17 PM

As someone with 8gb of fairly high end RAM, I can say with conviction that it's not necessary. I have 8gb of 1333mhz DDR3 and I have never needed the more than 4. Unless you're doing extremely intense multitasking, it's not necessary.

I got 8gb because it was only a $70 increase from 4gb to 8gb for the same RAM, and I thought i was doing great because my CPU had a 1333 fsb. Now, I was a bit ignorant of how OCing worked at the time, and I thought you just kept increasing the cpu multiplier rather than raising the FSB. I really wish I could go back and just get 4gb of 1600 mhz.

So really, you'd be fine with 2GB if you're not running a big machine or gaming alot, but I wouldn't go above 4gb. If you've survived with 1gb thus far you probably don't need 8.

I wish I could give you some better reccomendations but I don't know your system, nor do I know your CPU or FSB, but...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...es)-_-20145198 That's a good kit for 200 bucks. It's ddr3 though, can't use it if you have a ddr2 mobo.

OCZ also makes some 2000 mhz ram that's not bad for a 2gb stick, albeit with slow timings (expected though).

Tumbleweed36 · 09-11-2008, 09:33 PM

Unless you are in to very intensive operations, 2 gigs is about all you need for normal computer usage. However, if in to Cad Cam operations, intensive gaming (highest level) or such, then 4 gig would be more appropriate. I reallly just don't see any need or use for 8 gigs unless you are in to a specialty.

akedm · 09-12-2008, 02:52 AM

With Vista Ultimate I'd recommend 4GIGs because :

Vista's a RAM hog
Sounds like you're the type to hold onto your purchase until it's nearly outdated, such as the 1 GIG in a Vista system. So my guess is you'll hold onto this purchase for quite some time. Might as well go for 4 Gigs in that case cause programs are only going to use more and more RAM in the future.
IF [big IF] you have 4 slots available on your motherboard, load 2 DIMMS with 4 GIGs for now (and in addition to the 1 GIG you already have you'll have 5 GIGs), then later place another 4 GIGs into the other 2 DIMMS by replacing the 1 GIG, then you'll have 8.

Stu_computer · 09-12-2008, 03:08 AM

Hi Oseth, welcome to TSF.

Quote:

I am looking to upgrade my computer but first things first, I will need to buy myself some RAM. I have 1 GB and I am pretty sure I am out-of-date now with some of today's computers.

Well, first things first, does this upgrade include changing the mobo?
If it does then it's the first consideration-everything else is secondary.
If not, then are you considering a cpu upgrade?
A faster cpu especially one with a bigger cache is the better investment.
If not, then are you considering a bigger hard drive?
A faster hdd with large cache can make a big improvement in performance.

As for ram, you gave no system specs, and no info about the pc's use.
The only thing I can infer from your post is that the ram you have is apparently adaquate for your present use.

09-11-2008, 08:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Oseth Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 2 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate	Upgrading RAM, How much Recommended? Hey guys, I am looking to upgrade my computer but first things first, I will need to buy myself some RAM. I have 1 GB and I am pretty sure I am out-of-date now with some of today's computers. How much do you think I should get? Now sure, 8 GBs will be great, But I am looking for enough that I won't have to spend lots of money. Lets not get too creative now I am trying not to spend over 100-200 dollars on RAM, any suggestions?

09-11-2008, 09:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jickles Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 19 OS: Vista x64	Re: Upgrading RAM, How much Recommended? As someone with 8gb of fairly high end RAM, I can say with conviction that it's not necessary. I have 8gb of 1333mhz DDR3 and I have never needed the more than 4. Unless you're doing extremely intense multitasking, it's not necessary. I got 8gb because it was only a $70 increase from 4gb to 8gb for the same RAM, and I thought i was doing great because my CPU had a 1333 fsb. Now, I was a bit ignorant of how OCing worked at the time, and I thought you just kept increasing the cpu multiplier rather than raising the FSB. I really wish I could go back and just get 4gb of 1600 mhz. So really, you'd be fine with 2GB if you're not running a big machine or gaming alot, but I wouldn't go above 4gb. If you've survived with 1gb thus far you probably don't need 8. I wish I could give you some better reccomendations but I don't know your system, nor do I know your CPU or FSB, but... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...es)-_-20145198 That's a good kit for 200 bucks. It's ddr3 though, can't use it if you have a ddr2 mobo. OCZ also makes some 2000 mhz ram that's not bad for a 2gb stick, albeit with slow timings (expected though).

09-11-2008, 09:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,645 OS: XP Professional	Re: Upgrading RAM, How much Recommended? Unless you are in to very intensive operations, 2 gigs is about all you need for normal computer usage. However, if in to Cad Cam operations, intensive gaming (highest level) or such, then 4 gig would be more appropriate. I reallly just don't see any need or use for 8 gigs unless you are in to a specialty. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

09-12-2008, 02:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
akedm Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska, USA Posts: 336 OS: Win XP Media Center SP2	Re: Upgrading RAM, How much Recommended? With Vista Ultimate I'd recommend 4GIGs because : Vista's a RAM hog Sounds like you're the type to hold onto your purchase until it's nearly outdated, such as the 1 GIG in a Vista system. So my guess is you'll hold onto this purchase for quite some time. Might as well go for 4 Gigs in that case cause programs are only going to use more and more RAM in the future. IF [big IF] you have 4 slots available on your motherboard, load 2 DIMMS with 4 GIGs for now (and in addition to the 1 GIG you already have you'll have 5 GIGs), then later place another 4 GIGs into the other 2 DIMMS by replacing the 1 GIG, then you'll have 8. Last edited by akedm; 09-12-2008 at 03:02 AM.