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Thread ID: 120444 2011-09-09 02:37:00 8GB vs 4GB for gaming rig? urbanguerilla (16164) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1229822 2011-09-09 02:37:00 Would it be beneficial for me to upgrade my ram to 8GB for gaming ( @ 1920x1080 max res )?

My rig:
i5760
GTX460
2x 2GB supertalent ram
Win7 home prem 64bit

I feel the need to spend some dosh on a pair of Corsair Vengeance RAM :)
urbanguerilla (16164)
1229823 2011-09-09 03:01:00 It may give you a small benefit, it may not . I run 8GB myself, but the backup/media machine has 4GB and it runs about the same .
The last review I read on Toms Hardware decided 8G is the current sweet spot, but note that there is a per application limit which I think is 2G meaning this is the max any one application can use no matter how much you have . I'm not sure if it's a global limitation or if it just applies to 32bit apps/games .

If you multitask a lot or have a lot of background apps running then it can help to allow the game to use it's max amount .

I think the difference for Gaming is pretty small if even noticeable, but I take the view that RAM is cheap so why not . If you leave it you may find a year or so down the track games suddenly need more RAM and it's no longer cheap to upgrade . In the past I've found when I've wanted more memory than mine is outdated and expensive and I should have got more back when it was available .
dugimodo (138)
1229824 2011-09-09 03:46:00 I'm sold! seeing as the 2x 4GB Corsair Vengeance is retailing for around $150 :) urbanguerilla (16164)
1229825 2011-09-09 04:06:00 I have 8GB now.
I feel the need to make it 16GB. Because it's cheap now.
pctek (84)
1229826 2011-09-09 04:10:00 Yes, wish I could go out and spend $150 just like that on a whim. I play Crysis2 and Need For Speed Shift2 on my rig quite satisfactory on my 3.2gb of ram. Don't think you will get any benifit out of the extra ram.
:)
Trev (427)
1229827 2011-09-09 04:13:00 I have 12GB in mine to take advantage of triple channel memory. DeSade (984)
1229828 2011-09-09 04:45:00 Spend your money on a SSD instead, it'll make a *ton* more of a difference! Chilling_Silence (9)
1229829 2011-09-09 04:49:00 Actually Chill for a change I disagree.

I have an SSD, it's great, I love it. Once the game has loaded it makes approx 0 difference. Games that load a lot benefit if you have the space on the SSD to install them, the rest just start slightly quicker.
Also you wont get a useful SSD for $150
dugimodo (138)
1229830 2011-09-09 04:54:00 I have to agree with dugimodo, once you load the OS, Office and all other stuff that HAS to go on C:/, on the SSD there is **** all space left for anything else.
Might be a option when SSD's get bigger and cheaper.
DeSade (984)
1229831 2011-09-09 06:03:00 I have 8GB now.
I feel the need to make it 16GB. Because it's cheap now.

Plus the Vengeance makes my PC look blingin' :)
urbanguerilla (16164)
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