1GB RAM or 2GB RAM?

Question

I am about to purchase a laptop (Intel Dual Core) and have noticed that those with 1GB RAM are a lot cheaper than those with 2GB RAM...

Now how much difference does double the RAM make - Will I really notice the difference between 1GB RAM and 2GB RAM?

If yes in what type of applications will this make a difference?

Is it worth paying for the extra RAM?

Many Thanks for your help!!!

Answer 1

It's worth it if your are going to be using memory intensive applications. Some types of things it would be good for are photo editing and graphics design. It may help with performance of gaming, if you intend to play games, but on most laptops, the limiting factor for games is the video card rather then the memory.

If you're just going to surf the web, play music, and use office applications, save your money.

Answer 2

Almost everyone will say: if you have the extra money, get it. If you do, you should. It's not worth having only 1GB RAM for later down the future. It's entirely up to you what you decide to do with the laptop: playing games, editing photos, etc or just doing simple tasks such as using Word or Excel. Tech. is always changing so you have to take that into account also. It probably would be wise to go with the 1GB to save the money now but only the 2GB if you really need it.

Answer 3

It really depends on the application you will use if the primary purpose of this laptop is for browsing the internet then 1G is good enough. But if you will use this PC for multiple application that runs simultaneously then you will notice a big difference when your RAM is 2G. Also ask their customer support on how hard to upgrade the RAM. I know in most IBM laptop it is easy so after a year once the prices of the RAM falls and you have extra money you can upgrade.

Answer 4

If your motherboard supports it, get 2GB dual channel - with today's prices it shouldn't be that much different from buying 1GB (unless you simply just want to keep your 512 and buy another 512 which is probably dirt cheap now). It really depends on the RAM you need as well - i.e. DDR 400, DDR 800, DDR2, DDR3 or if it's really old - pc100

Answer 5

A 1 gig stick of notebook memory runs about $80 to $90 online. If the additional memory costs much less, then you're getting a pretty good deal. If your spending an additional $90 or more, you may be better off just waiting or installing on your own. In a couple years a 1 gig stick will be much cheaper, probably $50 or less.

Answer 6

If your playing the latest games or photo and video editing you will notice the difference. But for the ordinary user (on vista) there is not much of an advantage having 2Gb RAM

Answer 7

If you intend to do anything with video processing or heavy gaming, the more RAM the better.
If you'll just Internet, word process or spreadsheet then 1 GB is plenty.
Also, extra RAM may be cheaper if you add it later yourself. Check prices here http://www.pricewatch.com

Answer 8

It really depends what you're using the computer for.

If you're only coming on for instant messaging...e-mails...music listening...maybe a school project once in a while...there really is no need to pay for the 1GB.

BUT, if you like to play intense games, if you edit movies, and photos, or you like making graphics, then spring for the 2GB.

Answer 9

first don't buy Intel they cost more and run slower than AMD trust me i know iv got a 1.6ghz AMD processor that runs laps around our dells 2.6Ghz Intel. second it doesn't matter unless your going to be running big programs and lot of stuff at one time. 1Gb of memory is just about what you need but 2GB would be a good investment seeing that in time thats what we are all going to need. as programs get bigger and bigger.

Answer 10

If the computer is going to have Vista on it, then you want to have the 2G, otherwise the computer may run slowed on the 1G, due to Vista needing many resources.