Is buying 4GB of memory worth it?

Question

I just built a pretty decent computer. e6400 Core2Duo CPU, XFX 7950GT, 2GB Ram, running on Win XP Pro. I am thinking of buying another 2GB of Ram to make a total of 4GB because I found a good deal for 2GB Ram for only $100. The only problem is I'm not sure if it's worth it, since I think 2GB shoud be enough to handle all the applications these days. Is upgrading to 4GB really going to increase any performance on my computer, or would it be just a waste?

Also, I want to know if all 4 sticks of memory should be identical, or can they be different? That's because I currently have Corsair PC5400 in my PC right now, but the 2 sticks I may buy would be Corsair PC6400. Would 2 sticks of PC5400 and 2 sticks of PC6400 be compatible on the same motherboard?

Answer 1

Unless you have Window XP 64-bit edition, then Windows XP will only recognize between 3-3.5GB of memory. I would say to go ahead and purchase the memory as it is a good deal, and just use it as a backup in the event your current memory fails. Or you could install one of the 1GB memory modules in the system to have 3GB of memory.

Answer 2

Really, 4GB of RAM is serious overkill. There is no need to run it. 2GB, 3 TOPS is more than enough to run most intense software nowadays. 2GB handles either XP, Vista, or OS X with flying colors. The only real need to have 4+ GB of RAM is if you do VERY intense 3D graphics work (4GB of Ram would make real-time renderings faster) or Intense video work with a program like After Effects. 2 or 3 will work perfectly fine in these situations too, but having more never hurts. I really wouldn't waste the $100, you wont notice any improvements really.

Answer 3

They don't have to be identical, but they should be in pairs.

A lot of computers cap out a maximum about of memory, so be sure your computer will be able to recognize all of that RAM. If it can, I'd recommending buying a couple of 1 Gb memory cards, instead of just 1) 2 Gb one.

Answer 4

With 2 gigs of reminiscence on your equipment you'll see little or no distinction in performance between having readboost and not in any respect having readyboost. The performance improve you would get would not substitute a lot between a 512 megabyte stick and a 4 gig follow 2 gigs of ram contained in the equipment to boot.

Answer 5

With Win XP, there's diminishing return beyond 2Gb. But if Vista is on your horizon, go get that extra 2Gb. Your RAM modules will only run at ONE speed. They all default to the speed of the lowest speed module.

Answer 6

its a good safety net. the only way you would ever get close to using it is if you had like 5 high end applications running at the same time and still might not break 2gb. i have 4 in mine but i play a high end game one screen and do my chatting on the other. so it helps.

Answer 7

Win XP has a limit of 3GB of RAM if you want to add more you will need to setup the 3GB in the BIOS which should allow it to use more memory provided there are slots available. Otherwise it would just be wasted memory.

Answer 8

people say that 4 GB of RAM is over kill, but once when next generation games come out, your really going to need that RAM.

Also with video editing and photo editing it comes in handy.

Even with 4 GB of RAM now, you won't have a problem running ANYTHING on the market...BUY THAT EXTRA 2 GB. YOU WON'T REGRET IT.

Answer 9

Upgrading to 4GB for that much is a great deal. Go for it. You can never have too much RAM. If you have ever tried photo editing with Photoshop you will understand.

Answer 10

Probably, given the constant upgrades in video programs that can use more memory to display stuff faster than without it. So long as the CPU can handle it and you can afford it, why not?!