Is it worth upgrading RAM?

Sublime_2

I will be upgrading from 3 to 4Gb at some stage. I ve always found extra memory to be the cheapest upgrade going. I was considering a new graphics card, but will not be getting one just yet. Even a small increase in performance is worth it for me, especially for multi-tasking.

macman

Sublime wrote: »

I will be upgrading from 3 to 4Gb at some stage. I ve always found extra memory to be the cheapest upgrade going. I was considering a new graphics card, but will not be getting one just yet. Even a small increase in performance is worth it for me, especially for multi-tasking.

Are you running 64 bit OS? 32 bit Windows will not recognise more than 3.5GB.

Psychofly

macman wrote: »

Are you running 64 bit OS? 32 bit Windows will not recognise more than 3.5GB.

Not totally true. Not being picky but just to clarify for people, Windows 32bit can register 3.7GB of memory. I know this will only affect some people but it might make a difference to someone.

For an easy example. Imagine if you have 4GB of RAM and 1GB of memory on your graphics card. Windows would pick up the 1GB of graphics memory and then 2.7GB of system memory. If you have a 256MB graphics card then Windows would pick up the 256MB graphics memory and 4.4GB of system memory.

Does that make sense ? That's how I understand it at least.

Money_Grabber13579

macman wrote: »

Are you running 64 bit OS? 32 bit Windows will not recognise more than 3.5GB.

I'm running the 32-bit system so it only uses 3GB of RAM. But I decided that the 2x2GB was a better option than 2x1GB or even 1x1GB and 1x2GB.

On a side note, I'm looking at upgrading to Windows 7 from XP. (Obviously when it is released!) Can I install the 64 bit version over the 32 bit XP? Or is this not possible due to the processor?

macman

Money_Grabber13579 wrote: »

I'm running the 32-bit system so it only uses 3GB of RAM. But I decided that the 2x2GB was a better option than 2x1GB or even 1x1GB and 1x2GB.

On a side note, I'm looking at upgrading to Windows 7 from XP. (Obviously when it is released!) Can I install the 64 bit version over the 32 bit XP? Or is this not possible due to the processor?

You'll need a processor that can run 64 bit. And if I'm correct, Microsoft will not be offering W7 as an upgrade from XP-only from Vista.

Money_Grabber13579

macman wrote: »

You'll need a processor that can run 64 bit. And if I'm correct, Microsoft will not be offering W7 as an upgrade from XP-only from Vista.

Yeah, unfortunately unless Microsoft change their mind, it would have to be a clean install. Bit stupid really if they are serious about shifting people from XP! And thanks for clarifying that about the processor. Not worth doing that I don't think!