1gb or 2gb?

[Chakka]

Ive had 2x512gb styx of mem for a long time but Im reading that 2x1gb is better for games and ms vista later...

Has anyone experience real world increase in gaming performance with 2x1gb memory? Im asking cause their are real terrific deals for ddr memory right now along with amd cpus....

Im thinking of maximizing my rig right now with 2x1gb ddr mem and perhaps skipping ddr2 and wait for ddr3...

[Das Capitolin]

Ive had 2x512gb styx of mem for a long time but Im reading that 2x1gb is better for games and ms vista later...

Has anyone experience real world increase in gaming performance with 2x1gb memory? Im asking cause their are real terrific deals for ddr memory right now along with amd cpus....

Im thinking of maximizing my rig right now with 2x1gb ddr mem and perhaps skipping ddr2 and wait for ddr3...

For over a year I was using 2x 512MB DDR2 in my system. When I switched to 2x 1GB DDR2 I noticed a remarkable difference. I highly recommend 2GB for 32-bit system memory.

[Bio-Hazard]

I've noticed a increase how the system feels using 2 gig...........;) Some programs (games) will make use of everything your system has, others will not, but my system just feels quicker with the 2 gig. And with Vista (32 or 64 bit) the system really lags with only 1 gig, performance is much better running 2, it's even close to running smooth........;)
And the bandwith out of your AMD running DDR will smoke anything running DDR2 except for the newest and fastest DDR2 combined with with a Conroe.

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/7508/membandwk4.th.jpg (http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=membandwk4.jpg)

[werty316]

When I went from 1GB(2x512MB to 2GB(2x1GB) I noticed windows was more smooth when having alot of apps open. With memory prices these getting 2GB doesn't cost a fortune like is did in the past. I recommend 2GB.

[Victor]

another vote for 2gig, although if you are on tight budget, don't get all hype about 2gig, just go for 1gig should be enough for basic use and games. I vote 2 gig because I got it and compare to 1gig, I feel that it is definitely worth it.

[Kougar]

Hey Chakka...

If you are by any chance using a x64 OS or plan to, then 2GB of RAM is not a "good to have", but an absolute "minimum to have". ;) Since you mentioned Vista, and the x64 Vista is shaping up to be better once they shake most of the bugs out, you might as well upgrade now rather than later.

DDR prices should only begin to rise now that demand is primarily for DDR2, and some RAM companies had already begun switching fabs over to match.

[Bio-Hazard]

I've been reading the DDR prices (high-end stuff) are start climbing due to shorter supplies in the near future. Might get them while the prices are right.

[DarkstaR]

ive heard most games dont utilize the whole 2 gbs but bf2 can use just over 1.5 gbs

[Vaerilis]

ive heard most games dont utilize the whole 2 gbs but bf2 can use just over 1.5 gbs

BF2 is one of the ever more numerous games that are really happy with 2GBs of memory. Civilization IV is another good example, the larger maps can easily dumbfound computers with only 1GB of memory.
Some applications - like Photoshop - can use up vast amounts of RAM as well, so 2GBs make your job a lot easier.

[interpim]

I definitely agree... I multi-task a lot on my pc... online gaming, while listening to streaming music with web browsers open in the background for alt-tabbing during game down time...

2Gb makes it so much easier to get that done. When I only had 2x512 I would hang up constantly, but I guess its easier to buy more ram than it is to break my habits :P

[Scott]

2GBs man, heck I am moving to 4GB's but I am a nut.

[Bio-Hazard]

That you are Scott, I'll have to give you kudos for being honest about it..........:)

[zachig]

I'm currently using 2x1GB OCZ XTC RAM and to be honest, I've noticed only a slight improvement (if, at all) in games...but like you said, I bet that new games and also Vista OS for sure, will need that 2GB.

So...my advice, if you plan on a memory upgrade soon, go and buy yourself a 2GB kit...it worth it...if not now, soon enough for sure...:wink:

2GBs man, heck I am moving to 4GB's but I am a nut.
YES, YOU ARE!!! :lol:

[GIBSON]

Get 2GB, don't know if there is that much difference as it all depends on what you're planning to do with it. It's futureproof though, that's for sure.

[Chakka]

Ok so if I get the 2x1gb sticks, crucial ballistix seems to be the best for overclocking reaching for some 3,3,3,8 1T at ddr600 plus....

[XJnine]

I have 2gb in my main system and I'm glad I do. Every once in a while I'll look at the performance tab in the task manager and I notice that my memory usage is over 1gb. If I only had 1 gig of ram my system would be doing a lot of swapping to the hard drive. That drives me nuts......

My opinion on all this: The more the better. If you have the money and the slots, fill 'em up!

[Bio-Hazard]

Ok so if I get the 2x1gb sticks, crucial ballistix seems to be the best for overclocking reaching for some 3,3,3,8 1T at ddr600 plus....


OCZ Platinum PC4000..........;)

[werty316]

I use Corsair XMS PC4000 sticks and they are quite good for overclocking.

[BigD]

get some good ocz 2gb kit ddr500 gold

[zachig]

I would personally go with OCZ...:wink:

But any of the mentioned above will be good enough (OCZ, Corsair, Crucial)

GOOD LUCK :mrgreen:

[markkleb]

I use Geil ONE for fast 1gig(2.5-4-4-7@620 1T) and for normal I use 2 One Gig sticks of PQI Turbo.

[werty316]

I use Geil ONE for fast 1gig(2.5-4-4-7@620 1T) and for normal I use 2 One Gig sticks of PQI Turbo.
Those Geil sticks must be TCCD.

[markkleb]

Yep...8-) Normally I wouldnt spend so much on memory but Newegg had them Refurb for $150, one of the best deals I ever got.
Im not very good at OCing but these sticks make it so easy....

[tomato]

I'd go with whatever your budget can handle atm... ideally for future proofing, 2GB is the way to go, but 1GB will do you just fine for now I would think...

..slightly off topic @,markkleb, have you every had any problems with any refurb product? I always think "ugh, refurb=previously BROKEN whenever I see refurb and never even consider purchasing the item... can you prove me wrong?

[markkleb]

I'd go with whatever your budget can handle atm... ideally for future proofing, 2GB is the way to go, but 1GB will do you just fine for now I would think...

..slightly off topic @,markkleb, have you every had any problems with any refurb product? I always think "ugh, refurb=previously BROKEN whenever I see refurb and never even consider purchasing the item... can you prove me wrong?

Honestly I have bought about 20 things "Refurb" from Newegg. Only one was defective. Newegg still has a guarantee, but they give refunds on Refurbs cause they usually only have 1 in stock.

The only prob is they are usually missing parts (mobos usually come bare)

So if ur saving bunches go ahead, but if its only 10-$20 get retail..

[XJnine]

When you're buying refurb parts it doesn't necessarily mean they're broken. They can be returned for any reason and if the part has been opened it can't be sold as new anymore.

If the item was really defective it usually goes back to the factory to be tested and repaired so everything SHOULD be fine, not always the case. If the item was just opened and returned you'll have the same chance of failure as a brand new part.

[pym]

Also, about Refurb stuff, don't forget you get a full warranty with the product, so you may stress test it and if anything seems to be defective, just return it for a full refund...

[zachig]

I personally don't like to buy refurbished stuff, as (like mentioned already) it mostly comes naked and sometimes with missing accesories...:(

I'm usually buying new stuff or used hardware, and if used, only after I've checked thousand times that it is working properly and has all the accesories included (sometimes there's still warranty on the product, if lucky enough...:wink:).

[pym]

I believe buying used products is less safe then buying a refurbished product.
You never know what went through it, how was it maintained and what temps and tweaks the previous owner got on it...
The accessories are sometimes important, but in most cases, you can find them in a local store for a few dimes and you are good...

[Bio-Hazard]

Unless you live way out in the boonies like me and it costs you more than the item is worth to drive to town to find the missing parts.

Un-opened retail for me thankyou..........;)

[zachig]

Unless you live way out in the boonies like me and it costs you more than the item is worth to drive to town to find the missing parts.

Un-opened retail for me thankyou..........;)

Yeah, I agree with sbrehm...I find it difficult to go "hunt" for the missing parts, and also when I'm buying used stuff I do it only when I meet the person who sells it "face-to-face" so I can test the product and make sure it's 100% OK and nothing is missing.
But, like I said I usually I buy NEW hardware and just in rare cases, I buy used stuff (like my current X2 3800+ CPU and OCZ Modstream 520W PSU, which I bought used for 60% of their actual retail price and I still got warranty for them, for additional 32 monthes :grin:).

[pym]

Well yeah, of course, if money is not an issue, retail for my opinion as well ;)
Since you may find some amazing deals, sometimes, I must say it is very tempting to try out those refurbished products...

[Bio-Hazard]

I can't say that I haven't looked at then myself as the money savings is fantastic sometimes. But with memory/CPU's and such, a lot of the times they are returned because thay don't clock/overclock the way the customer wanted. They may work just fine at specs, but you have no clue what or how much abuse they put the part through before they sent it back.

[markkleb]

I agree with sbrehm about the CPUs, I wouldnt buy a refurb CPU. But I bought my DFI Expert mobo from Newegg for $112. At the time they were selling for close to $200 Retail. When I got it is was bare, no nothing. Normally I dont care if I have a I/O plate or cables because I hve a box of them. But I had entered the Ultra contest and needed the SLI bridge and correct I/O plate.
I called Donna at DFI and she shipped them out to me that day for $7. I got then in 2 days.
I would have never been able to afford a DFI Expert mobo (usually my mobo budget is about $60) except for the Refurb price..

[pym]

That is exactly what I meant, sometimes there are amazing deals that you just must consider buying. There are hardware pieces that I wouldn't buy, but the others, I say, go for it if something good gets in your way...

[Mirrim]

Keep an eye out for deals. I got a deal on some OCZ DDR from Newegg recently that is great. Running 4x512mb for a total of 2Gb. There is more of a difference in performance from 512mb to 1Gb. However, now that I'm at 2Gb, I'd never go back if I can help it.

[Kougar]

I have to agree with Mirrim completely... with my new rig using 2gb now the performance/smoothness factor isn't close to as noticeable as with the change from 512mb to 1gb, but I would never go back! There is something about watching XP's pagefile usage drop by more than half that is satisfying, not to mention boot and shutdown times are drastically decreased.

[BigD]

2g > 1g especialy if you use photoshop and are procesing 100 raw pictures lol... in new games a small difference will be noticed in actually game play but the smoothness with increase when going from room to room in games like fear were it has to load stuff

normal xp apps you wont know a difference between 1g and 2 tho

[BigD]

I agree with sbrehm about the CPUs, I wouldnt buy a refurb CPU. But I bought my DFI Expert mobo from Newegg for $112. At the time they were selling for close to $200 Retail. When I got it is was bare, no nothing. Normally I dont care if I have a I/O plate or cables because I hve a box of them. But I had entered the Ultra contest and needed the SLI bridge and correct I/O plate.
I called Donna at DFI and she shipped them out to me that day for $7. I got then in 2 days.
I would have never been able to afford a DFI Expert mobo (usually my mobo budget is about $60) except for the Refurb price..

i also got a dfi expert board refurb... it oc's like a dream and runs perfectly:mrgreen: