Is getting 2GB of memory with my computer a waste?

Question

Is getting 2GB of memory with my computer a waste? I am about to upgrade memory and I dont know if I need that much with my computer specifications,is it just gonna be wasting money. Shoud I get 1GB. The memory I will be using is DDR400(PC3200) dual channel. My system:

Pentium 4 2.6Ghz 800FSB HT
Video Card : Either X800XL or 6800GT
350Watt PSU
40GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
MSI PT880 Motherboard

Answer 1

Get 1gb if :
You are using basic programs on your computer. MS word, powerpoint, and low graphic games.


Get 2gb if: You want to keep your computer on for lengthy periods of time without your system "bogging down"
Also if you want to play more up to date games like World of warcraft.


the extra gigabite is going to just give you that extra "umph" when you push your computer to the limits. It gives room for overflow of data.

Answer 2

A general rule of thumb when it comes to buying a computer or even upgrading one, "To much is never enough". Even simple programs like Microsoft word are requiring larger and larger amounts of RAM. So If you have the money, go for it. It also depends on what you want to do with it. As processing speed increase (every year) you'll need lots of ram to make up for the low speed of your CPU. If you plan to store music and photos. DO IT, IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY. BESIDES IN TWO YEARS THAT 2GB WILL BECOME 512 mb. TRUST ME. LOL Besides have you ever heard anyone say that there computer was to fast?

Answer 3

Your really not going to see any real performance gains with anythign above 1MB even 512KB is enough in many cases.

More memory is only useful when you need to manipulate large files (like large image, video or audio files) or have large database(s) stored in memory. Outside of that for day to day operation you won't notice much of a difference at all.

Put that money towards a bigger hard drive 40GB is pretty small by today's standards

Answer 4

If you're running windows XP and not doing any gaming or media production, the 1 gb may be okay for you (it's twice the minimum amount for windows XP). If you are going to be doing anything that's memory taxing, or plan on running windows Vista, you'll need to go for the 2 gb.

Answer 5

well if you are going to be using it for just the basics then all you need is 1 GB of memory but if you are going to be using it for other things liking gaming and what not than yes you will need to upgrade to 2 GB. putting that much memory is good because it will help your computer run faster and smoother along with having a good processor to back it up.

Answer 6

If you're running windows XP and not doing any gaming or media production, the 1 gb may be okay for you (it's twice the minimum amount for windows XP). If you are going to be doing anything that's memory taxing, or plan on running windows Vista, you'll need to go for the 2 gb.

Answer 7

For your computer it doesnt look to be that fast although memory does play a good part in speed, you should be fine with either, i mean 3200 is low its only 400MHz which is pretty slow but your computer wont go any faster than the processor can handle so it should be alright.

Answer 8

Well, if you are planning to run Vista, it is not a waster... that is what they recommend. I have 2GB on my XP Pro machine with a 6800gt 2 500GB HDDs and 2 lightscribe DVD +RW drives... I ran Vista for about 3 days and went back to XP. It is a resource (memory) hog...

Good luck...hope I helped...

Answer 9

With Vista 2 gig would be good, If you run a lot of applications in Xp it would be good also (better to have too much than not enough)

Answer 10

You didn't mention the operating system but 2 gigs would not be a waste performance wise.