RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) - Page 3

Acreo Aeneas · 09-30-2007, 01:17 AM

From experience, ATI cards have usually consumed more power than their equivilent nvidia counterparts. One could once say that that extra power consumption gave ATI cards a bleeding edge, but it seems nVidia has disproved that with their 8800 lineup.

And now with rising energy costs, everyone is looking to save some dollars with something more efficient and energy saving while still delivering on performance, which equates to nVidia at the moment.

I too have kept to AMD in terms of builds (mainly due to the heat factor and lower costs), but with the advent of C2D, I'm more than willing to go Intel rather than AMD.

SmokingTarpan · 10-01-2007, 11:09 AM

Yea, I'm seriously considering switching up my technologies this go around, especially after having read some reviews and whatnot. I know I'm more than likely switching over to an 8800GTS for my GPU, though after looking at it's requirements I'll have to bump up my PSU from my current 550W to an 850W (would like to stick with a modular Antec PSU). Definitely considering the C2D's, as well, but not a solid decision on that yet.

edit: It should be noted, in case anyone decides to mention it, that I don't and won't overclock, so that's not an issue.

Acreo Aeneas · 10-01-2007, 10:28 PM

You should be able to run the 8800GTS just fine on your Antec 550W, unless you plan on doing SLi later down the road.

**jmaker** · 10-02-2007, 01:01 AM

Go with the Core 2 Quad. It's $275.The Q6600 is the sweet spot that everyone is picking up. I just got one myself a couple of days ago and have been trying to overclock it. Stock is 2.4 and mine is up to 3.2. But I guess that doesn't matter for you since you said you're not going to overclock it. But if you do decide to overclock, make sure you get an aftermarket cooler. Overclocking is probably easier than you think. The biggest thing is just watching the temps.

phenophae · 10-03-2007, 02:00 AM

I'd go for 2x 1GB RAM sticks and put the money in not spent on the other two sticks into lower lantency RAM. Even running at the 3.2GBs, or in some cases I've seen 2.5GBs, you wont see much of a difference with going from 2GBs to 4GBs. But a better Faster RAM and/or a Better mobo (or even Graphics if it means going from 8800GTS 320 to 8800GTX go for the GTX) will server you far better than 4GBs.

Here's a Link with more info on 32-bit OS addressing 4GBs of memory. support.microsoft.com/kb/929580

SmokingTarpan · 10-03-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

You should be able to run the 8800GTS just fine on your Antec 550W, unless you plan on doing SLi later down the road.

How much draw will a C2D need, however (on top of 2 HDD's and an optical drive, though obviously not all will be running all the time)? I don't plan on running in SLI, but the specs on the 8800GTS 320MB (and 640MB) says it draws 400W.

Big no to the Core 2 Quad. I've read over the reviews of it and am not impressed. I also don't like how it's not a true quad core. :P

For video cards, the GTX stuff is just too expensive. I don't mind dumping money into a system, but I'm not going to be spending over $500 just on one component. This is probably as far as I would go on the video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150215

This thread is so not just about RAM anymore, heh. Sad thing is that I really want to get all this stuff right now! But I have no real reason to, and aside from that I planned to wait until November/December anyway.

=Sarc= · 10-03-2007, 11:59 PM

I'm using a 500W Seasonic on a E6400 2.13Ghz @ 3.0Ghz, 2GB RAM, 7900GT, X-Fi, tv tuner, 2 HDDs, 2 optical drives and 4 case fans. I'm pretty confident it'll handle a 8800GTX if I need to upgrade.

The 400W is a recommended PSU to use with the 8800GTS. It's not how much it actually uses. It's probably more around 100W.

**VegaBond** · 10-04-2007, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBigC

I use 4gb with Vista 64, but be real carefull what games you play. There are a lot of games that caused me to remove 2 gig, so I could run the games.

Which games were they? I'm still on fence about installing Vista x64 and having 4 gigs...

**Rincewind** · 10-04-2007, 02:54 PM

Remember, Intel will be releasing their 45nm processors at the beginning of November, all but one have a heat rating of 80W. The "low end" quad's clocking in at 2.xx GHz are expected to be priced around $300-400. The 1333 bus speed along with better stepping (and lower power consumption) you're looking at some serious punch coming out at the end of the year.

Prices for other competing processors should continue to drop leading up to the release next month. Expect large price drops afterwards

Also, try not to buy hardware (i.e. RAM) for apps coming out in the future. If what you're looking at game/app wise is further out than 90 days, you're paying a premium for hardware you're not really using. Buy your extra RAM/hardware when you need it--it'll be cheaper.

Acreo Aeneas · 10-04-2007, 03:01 PM

Well at some $90 or so for 2 GBs of RAM, I say that's pretty darn cheap already.

Sarc, I didn't know you're using a Seasonic. Is that the M12 modular one I have my eyes set on?

=Sarc= · 10-04-2007, 07:03 PM

I'm using the S12. I bought it shortly before the modular design was released. It kind of sucks but I doubt my leet PC building skills would eliminate the rat's nest I've got with the help of a modular PSU. I usually stuff the extra power leads between the motherboard and the right side panel but it doesn't help clean up the mess I make on the other side.

**TheBigC** · 10-04-2007, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VegaBond

Which games were they? I'm still on fence about installing Vista x64 and having 4 gigs...

The issues ran to SLI and 4 Gig. A quick example would be ArmA with Vista 64 and 4 gig of ram. ArmA would work in non SLI mode and 4 gig of ram but with SLI on it crapped out. Or you can run SLI with 2 gig of ram and no issues.

I also had issues with certian Steam products, but as of a patch or so ago, it could not address over 2 gig with decent results, it was actually slower FPS.

09-30-2007, 01:17 AM	#31 (permalink)
Acreo Aeneas Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: DePaul University (Chicago) Age: 22 Posts: 4,547	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) From experience, ATI cards have usually consumed more power than their equivilent nvidia counterparts. One could once say that that extra power consumption gave ATI cards a bleeding edge, but it seems nVidia has disproved that with their 8800 lineup. And now with rising energy costs, everyone is looking to save some dollars with something more efficient and energy saving while still delivering on performance, which equates to nVidia at the moment. I too have kept to AMD in terms of builds (mainly due to the heat factor and lower costs), but with the advent of C2D, I'm more than willing to go Intel rather than AMD. __________________ Acreo_Aeneas Former 9th MID Member Current Obsessions: Netbooks and other low-cost, small, and portable PCs.

10-01-2007, 11:09 AM	#32 (permalink)
SmokingTarpan Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,471	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) Yea, I'm seriously considering switching up my technologies this go around, especially after having read some reviews and whatnot. I know I'm more than likely switching over to an 8800GTS for my GPU, though after looking at it's requirements I'll have to bump up my PSU from my current 550W to an 850W (would like to stick with a modular Antec PSU). Definitely considering the C2D's, as well, but not a solid decision on that yet. edit: It should be noted, in case anyone decides to mention it, that I don't and won't overclock, so that's not an issue. __________________ [squadl] "I am the prettiest african-american, vietnamese..cong..person." -SugarNCamo

10-01-2007, 10:28 PM	#33 (permalink)
Acreo Aeneas Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: DePaul University (Chicago) Age: 22 Posts: 4,547	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) You should be able to run the 8800GTS just fine on your Antec 550W, unless you plan on doing SLi later down the road. __________________ Acreo_Aeneas Former 9th MID Member Current Obsessions: Netbooks and other low-cost, small, and portable PCs.

10-02-2007, 01:01 AM	#34 (permalink)
jmaker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Warren, OH Age: 28 Posts: 2,641	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) Go with the Core 2 Quad. It's $275.The Q6600 is the sweet spot that everyone is picking up. I just got one myself a couple of days ago and have been trying to overclock it. Stock is 2.4 and mine is up to 3.2. But I guess that doesn't matter for you since you said you're not going to overclock it. But if you do decide to overclock, make sure you get an aftermarket cooler. Overclocking is probably easier than you think. The biggest thing is just watching the temps. __________________

10-03-2007, 02:00 AM	#35 (permalink)
phenophae Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 23 Posts: 10	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) I'd go for 2x 1GB RAM sticks and put the money in not spent on the other two sticks into lower lantency RAM. Even running at the 3.2GBs, or in some cases I've seen 2.5GBs, you wont see much of a difference with going from 2GBs to 4GBs. But a better Faster RAM and/or a Better mobo (or even Graphics if it means going from 8800GTS 320 to 8800GTX go for the GTX) will server you far better than 4GBs. Here's a Link with more info on 32-bit OS addressing 4GBs of memory. support.microsoft.com/kb/929580

10-03-2007, 11:59 PM	#37 (permalink)
=Sarc= Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 4,600	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) I'm using a 500W Seasonic on a E6400 2.13Ghz @ 3.0Ghz, 2GB RAM, 7900GT, X-Fi, tv tuner, 2 HDDs, 2 optical drives and 4 case fans. I'm pretty confident it'll handle a 8800GTX if I need to upgrade. The 400W is a recommended PSU to use with the 8800GTS. It's not how much it actually uses. It's probably more around 100W. __________________ JO Guides & Tutorials Team Element - It's who you game with.

10-04-2007, 02:54 PM	#39 (permalink)
Rincewind Join Date: May 2005 Location: Casting useless spells in Oklahoma. Age: 27 Posts: 2,973	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) Remember, Intel will be releasing their 45nm processors at the beginning of November, all but one have a heat rating of 80W. The "low end" quad's clocking in at 2.xx GHz are expected to be priced around $300-400. The 1333 bus speed along with better stepping (and lower power consumption) you're looking at some serious punch coming out at the end of the year. Prices for other competing processors should continue to drop leading up to the release next month. Expect large price drops afterwards Also, try not to buy hardware (i.e. RAM) for apps coming out in the future. If what you're looking at game/app wise is further out than 90 days, you're paying a premium for hardware you're not really using. Buy your extra RAM/hardware when you need it--it'll be cheaper. __________________ ~~ Veritas simplex oratio est ~~ No matter how far a wizard goes, he will always come back for his hat. --T. Pratchett <---- You know you're getting old when you rely on your forum meta-data to remind you how old you are. Required Reading for all TG sandboxers

10-04-2007, 03:01 PM	#40 (permalink)
Acreo Aeneas Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: DePaul University (Chicago) Age: 22 Posts: 4,547	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) Well at some $90 or so for 2 GBs of RAM, I say that's pretty darn cheap already. Sarc, I didn't know you're using a Seasonic. Is that the M12 modular one I have my eyes set on? __________________ Acreo_Aeneas Former 9th MID Member Current Obsessions: Netbooks and other low-cost, small, and portable PCs.

10-04-2007, 07:03 PM	#41 (permalink)
=Sarc= Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 4,600	Re: RAM question (4 x 1GB, 2 x 2GB) I'm using the S12. I bought it shortly before the modular design was released. It kind of sucks but I doubt my leet PC building skills would eliminate the rat's nest I've got with the help of a modular PSU. I usually stuff the extra power leads between the motherboard and the right side panel but it doesn't help clean up the mess I make on the other side. __________________ JO Guides & Tutorials Team Element - It's who you game with.

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