How much difference does system RAM make?

[Sandan]

Hi All, I just upgraded to the Asrock 939Dual-SATA board with AMD x2 3800+ on it. I kept my PC2700 (333) spectec RAM and my two 512 sticks registered as dual channel. I have an ATI 9800 AGP video card and 160G Maxtor harddrive as well. I have been wondering about upgrading the RAM to PC3200 but not sure if it is worth it. I have googled reviews about the difference and it looks to me that there really isn't any. My use is some gaming (Half Life 2, Quake 4, WOW) and I do work with spreadsheets, publications, and other documents. I know the Video card is older and could use a lift and plan on it later....But for now what about the RAM....Thanks much.

 

[ForumMaster]

usually, more RAM will help more then faster RAM. (too a degree) ofcourse 256MB of PC3200 would be faster then 512MB SDRAM PC133 but your difference isn't dramatic. get more RAM rather then faster RAM. (no need to go above 2GB) and upgrading that GC should be a priority.

 

[Pabster]

You'd see a nice gain from 1GB to 2GB. Much more so than boosting PC2700->PC3200.

 

[Mattd46612]

yea 2gb makes a nice difference, heck a ton of people on here likely put a divider on their ram to overclock higher anyway.