Fast 512MB vs. Average 1GB

[jlambvo]

Hi everyone,

Like so many, I'm researching putting together an nForce4 Deluxe system in the next month or so. My finances, if they prove to allow such a project, will probably be rather restrictive. In any case, I'm shooting for a low entry point with a good upgrade path, so I'm trying to cut corners in the right places. This platform will be primarily for DX9 gaming and modification work.



My question is this (haven't found a definitive thread on this): do the newest game engines benefit much from more than 512MB system memory, or is memory speed more important?

I'm looking at more expensive RAM than I purchased for my current system, specifically Corsair XMS "xtra low latency" and Kingston HyperX. I don't think I can afford to get 1GB of this initially, I would have to settle for memory that doesn't support these more aggressive timings... but then I don't know how much noticable difference that actually makes?


These are the options I'm looking at:
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=20-144-169&depa=0
256x2 which would (I assume) support a dual-channel configuration and would leave 2 slots open

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=20-145-521&depa=0
Or any comparable single 512MB selection, which would provide greater expandability

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=20-145-440&depa=0
A 512MBx2 option that isn't quite as fast but still CAS2.5

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[stevty2889]

The newer games will benifit more from having 1gig of ram than from lower latency 512mb of ram. My ram usage always goes over 512mb when playing Half Life 2. Low latency ram doesn't much of a differance anyway.

 

[Gurck]

GB

 

[gururu]

HL2 crashes and load times stopped/shortened soon as I replaced my 512 stick Kingston HyperX PC3200 (2-2-2-5) with a kit of Corsair Value Select PC3200 (2x512, 2.5-3-3-7). My bandwidth of course doubled because now I' m in dual channel.

 

[Insomniak]

More RAM > Faster RAM.

Of course, if you can get more faster RAM, that is the optimal solution.

 

[CraigRT]

in this case, bigger is better

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: Gurck
GB

 

[blurredvision]

Another vote for the 1GB of RAM. I've always felt that "faster" latency RAM was a rip-off unless you were overclocking.

 

[Neptune3000]

I went from 512mb ddr540 to 1gig ddr333(2x256mb ddr266 1x512mb ddr400) and i can definately say teh gig is better..MUCH better!!!

 

[NautikaL 8]

i dont really notice much of a difference playing ut2k4. i had 512mb 2-2-2-5 (2x256) and i got a 512 stick pc3200 for a customer...and i put it in mine for a bit. its at 2.5-3-3-7. not much of a performance boost...but im sure ill see some in hl2...like popping around corners and such

 

[jlambvo]

Awsome, sounds pretty cut and dry. Thanks, people.

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: NautikaL 8
i dont really notice much of a difference playing ut2k4. i had 512mb 2-2-2-5 (2x256) and i got a 512 stick pc3200 for a customer...and i put it in mine for a bit. its at 2.5-3-3-7. not much of a performance boost...but im sure ill see some in hl2...like popping around corners and such

It'll make a difference in most newer games, not really doom3 so much, but Far Cry for sure and, from what I'm hearing, HL2 as well... not to mention mmorpgs, which dine heartily on ram with a lot of characters on screen. That's beside the point though - it makes Windows feel a lot snappier, at least on my system, vs. 512mb. It may be because I have an aging (ie. slow) chip, because I don't have a DC-capable mb, or because I have a lot of background things running and multitask a lot, but for whatever reason, it's really night and day for me. When I recently built my HTPC, the 512mb stick I got for it had to be RMA'd, so I donated one of my main rig's 512mb DIMMs for a week or so, and using my pc with only 512mb was nothing short of hellish... maybe I'm just spoiled

 

[live2game]

Get 1GB of high quality ram from Crucial or Viking i have never had a problem with them.

 

[kd2777]

I was playing HL2 with 512 and noticed that it was really slow and jumpy at times, then I bought this and it sped up greatly. I have also had the Corsair in the past, it is also good. Either the Corsair Value or the Mushkin will make a good addition to your system, but I vote the Mushkin, because at just under 150 it is a steal.

kd

 

[WobbleWobble]

Lower latency RAM will give you a percentage or two in performance boost. Generally not worth the money in my opinion, especially if you're on a budget.

Stick with any good brand "value" RAM (Kingston ValueRAM, Corsair Value, etc.) and you'll be fine.