Who has 8GB's of ram?

[Clarko]

I have 4gb on my Vista 64 machine. So far upon boot up its around 36-38 percent used. I have different desktop customizations. If they are all running I believe it goes up to like 50 percent or so. I understand that Vista already uses a good chuck of RAM and my computer is not slow at all. (Waiting for Windows 7 later this year) I was wondering if it would be wise to just get 8gb. I see it as an advantage to have multiple programs running and only the processor maybe lagging. I know that more than 4 is not really used because of the way my E8500 Core 2 Duo uses it compared to the new I7s that uses ddr3 and takes advantage of having more ram. Just wanted some thoughts. If you need to know the PSU wattage and what I have in the computer so far to make sure there is enough power just reply. Thanks for your time everyone.

 

[HardHat]

General rule of thumb...2GB of RAM per CPU core. It wouldn't hurt to buy another 2 x 2GB set for a total of 8GB; prices are low and it saves you the need to upgrade the memory again down the road.

Problem is...you're on 775, which is on it's last legs. The only worthwhile upgrades you can make after 8GB are to replace the E8500 with a Q9xxx, if your motherboard can support them and a new video card. It'll be cheaper than a complete rebuild with the i7s. A C2Q w/ 8GB will last at least another 2 years.

What motherboard/RAM do you have at the moment?

Simple answer to your question is yes, go for 8GB. Make sure you pick RAM which is identical to the sticks you have right now. Same brand, voltage, speed, latency. Might also want to set your CPU speed back to its original 3.16Ghz.

 

[Ryken]

if your computer isn't slow, i say don't fix what's not broken, and save the money for upgrades down the road.

 

[HardHat]

If only people would drop the 'if its not broken, don't fix' mentality. This isn't about fixing, it's about improving. RAM can be bought for $50 nowadays, less if you shop around. 2 years ago, a 2 x 1GB kit would cost you $200. Today, 2 x 2GB of quality RAM can be had for a quarter of that price.

First upgrade, and one of the cheapest. Max out your RAM. If Clarko's motherboard can only support a maximum of 8GB, then he should fill all the RAM slots up to 8GB.

 

[Groo]

Just a quick note, don't forget you not only need hardware which can handle greater than 4 gigs of RAM, but you also need to be running an OS which is 64bit (ie Vista64 or XP64). Otherwise your computer will only recognize 4 gigs of RAM total (including Video RAM) I know you (Clarko) are using Vista 64, but just in case someone sees this and is running a 32 bit, I wanted to make sure they were aware.

-Groo

 

[Existence.]

I have 6 GB of ram and I love it. I have an entry-level AMD dual-core CPU which is struggling to keep up with my RAM + Video card. Upon boot, I have 1.47 GB of ram used, and even if I'm running TF2 with Firefox, iTunes and uTorrent, my ram never exceeds 5 GB used.

I'm also running Windows 7 build 7068 x64.

 

[Stevontoast]

3GB ram atm
Since I'm x32 I can only use around 3-3.5
I'll go to a max of 4GB
I don't see a need since I don't really do much
Only thing I worry about is CPU speed
That matters to me only!
But yeah
I'm gonna get 4GB once I upgrade CPU etc.

 

[PeterGriffin]

i have 4, i was thinking of getting another 4 aswell

 

[Ryken]

Hardhat, i disagree. Even if it is cheap, there won't be that much gain with he is only using 50% right now anyway. It doesn't save him from having to buy new ram in the future, because when the C2D is in need of an upgrade, DDR3 will be the standard. Yes, it's the cheapest upgrade you can make, and yes it's only $50, but no, I don't think it's worth it for his C2D machine. On top of that, Windows 7 is going to be lighter than Vista, and if you are upgrading to that, there is less need for more RAM.

 

[FreakingHell]

I'm just waiting a while and then getting 12. Tri channel ftw!

 

[Idol]

I'm running Vista64 with 8g RAM. Recently upgraded from 4g for the exact reason HardHat mentioned: it was cheap.

 

[Angeal]

I might get 3GB or even 4GB as well, i have 2GB..

 

[Arn0t]

I would agree with Hardhat.

If you can support it, go for it. RAM is a part that people can constantly buy/sell easily i believe and with what he has, i think you could do it. And its cheap. DDR2 or DDR3 dual channel is almost the exact price.

 

[_Xx_HeX_xX_]

ok , i sup;port upgrades , but heres the thing , i ran 8 gigs then let my wife use 4 of them for the pc she built , thing is , there is no diff , unless you will be using it to run virtual machines youll see no perforance increase , infact benchmarks with 8 gigs were generally lower , 2 gigs is ok but optimal would be just 4 gigs

 

[_Xx_HeX_xX_]

one more note , if you really wanna speed things up bet some ballistix , or xm2 ram and be done , youll see mroe speed with low latency ram over 8 gigs ram .

 

[-Jv-]

I've got more then enough with my 6GB's... It never loads more then 5BG, 8+GB sounds a waste of money...

 

[Angeal]

Well i can support it and my mobo can hold up to 4GB of ram but i don't want to have to get a new OS and , And my cpu is 32/64bit so doesn't matter here.

 

[Arn0t]

haha well i live by the, "if your gunna do something, you mine as well go all out" so thats where my theory comes into play i guess.

 

[OODA Loop]

If only people would drop the 'if its not broken, don't fix' mentality. This isn't about fixing, it's about improving.

if it is not the fastest and most awesome then it is broken in my mind.

 

[Rated_R]

Wait I have XP and I thought windows XP only recognized 4 gb and thats what i have