Do I need the extra RAM?

[Jza]

I'm putting together a new PC. It will use some of the following components:

Athlon Tbird 1.33GHz
Swiftech MC370-0A
EPoX 8K7A
MSI GF2 GTS
40GB Deskstar 60GXP

My Q is how much RAM will be sufficient? I'm low on money so I don't want to spend more then i must. I am definately goin with AT LEAST 256MB PC2100 from crucial...but since RAM is so cheap, sounds like I could go for 512MB. But I don't want to buy extra that won't be a significant change.

I'll be using this rig mainly for first person shooter gaming. I heard that a newer faster DDR ram is not too far away...so if I don't need the extra 256MB, i won't buy.

Please provide your suggestions!

 

[Budman]

This depends on your OS too,if you're gonna use win9X then 256 is plenty.

But if you're gonna use Win2k then 512 is nice to have.

 

[BCYL]

With ram prices so cheap now, why not get 512MB?

 

[Budman]

BCYL you forgot to read this part.



<< I'm low on money so I don't want to spend more then i must >>

 

[Tbirdan]

A stick of 512MB PC2100 from Mushkin is only $177.

 

[Budman]

For some of us 177$ is a lot of money.

 

[mithrandir2001]

Stick with the 256MB, if you are not sure. Often, 256MB is enough regardless if you are running Win9x/Me/NT/2000. Now everybody uses their PC differently, but 256MB is plenty of memory for 90% of PC users.

DON'T buy a 512MB stick...they cost a fortune right now. You are better off with 2 256MB sticks if you really need 512MB.

If after you get your system up and running with 256MB, you wish you had more memory, just buy another 256MB stick...they only cost $40-45.

 

[Jza]

I think i'm gonna go w/ WINDOWS 98SE on the new rig.

Everywhere is basically saying it would be a crime not to buy 512MB...but will PC2100 prices ever *INCREASE* at all?

I'll just use 256MB for now, but if I need more...I hope prices are still the same or even lower

 

[Oyeve]

Next Earthquake in Asia will raise the prices. Trust me, its gonna come. Then I will make a fortune selling all my ram that Ive been hoarding to you guys! Muahahaha!