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Thread ID: 90802 2008-06-16 23:14:00 Upgrading ram from 2 -> 4 GB masdaman (12729) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
679045 2008-06-16 23:14:00 I was wondering whether it is worth upgrading my memory to 4 GB? Will I notice a difference in performance.

I run Vista with 2GB ram and a c2d 1.86Ghz, current idle memory usage is around 700MB.
I mainly use the comp for uni work, internet, dvd and gaming.

Thanks in advance
masdaman (12729)
679046 2008-06-16 23:27:00 Run the task manager in the background while you play games. Set the update speed to low, and see how much RAM you're using at peak.

You probably would notice some speed increase, as vista wouldn't have to reference the paging file quite so much. How much really depends on what sorts of apps you're running.

Crysis would notice it, but lemmings probably wouldn't.
Thebananamonkey (7741)
679047 2008-06-16 23:40:00 4GB is only going to be useful if you have a 64bit O/S. pctek (84)
679048 2008-06-16 23:44:00 Thanks TheBananaMonkey,
I mainly play team fortress 2. I ran task manager in the background average usage is around 1350MB with a peak at 1600MB. I think I'll get extra ram you can never have to much as my grandma used to say. Plus its nice to think of it there and available if needed.
masdaman (12729)
679049 2008-06-16 23:46:00 I have Vista 32-bit. lol maybe I won't get it, I'm easily swayed. masdaman (12729)
679050 2008-06-17 00:08:00 not meaning to hijack the thread, but is it useful to disable the paging file if i have sufficient ram*?
If the paging file is disabled, that would -force- XP to store everything in RAM right?

*assuming I dont use more memory than my PC has
utopian201 (6245)
679051 2008-06-17 00:12:00 Depends some games will notice that its disabled and then you'll have to enable it again Speedy Gonzales (78)
679052 2008-06-17 00:14:00 What graphics card do you have?

PCTek's right, that a 32bit system can't use all of 4GB. But it can use enough of it to make it a worthwhile investment IMO.

Something to consider, though, is that graphics RAM counts towards your overall limit. So if you have a 512MB RAM card, then that can be taken away from your overall limit.

It may be worth buying another 1GB though. You should be able to use all of that.
Thebananamonkey (7741)
679053 2008-06-17 00:15:00 not meaning to hijack the thread, but is it useful to disable the paging file if i have sufficient ram*?
If the paging file is disabled, that would -force- XP to store everything in RAM right?

*assuming I dont use more memory than my PC has

What do you call sufficient RAM?
Thebananamonkey (7741)
679054 2008-06-17 01:06:00 What do you call sufficient RAM?

I have 1.5gb memory. When I look at task manager, it is rarely over 500mb. So this means I have sufficient memory to not require the use of the page file? (assuming I dont use any heavy programs)
utopian201 (6245)
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