Is 1GB noticeable compared to 512MB of RAM?

[AgaBoogaBoo]

First, please only tell me if you have been on the same system or a similar system with both amounts. I don't want someone comparing an old computer with 512mb to a new one with 1GB RAM because there would probably be too many other different parts.

I'm talking about daily usage, not gaming. I'm considering selling my 512mb RAM and spending a little more to get 1GB RAM since it's not too much more

 

[SrGuapo]

Assuming the actual RAM stick isn't any faster (different speed, latency, etc.), it will probably perform about the same unless you are doing work that requires alot of RAM (games, graphics, etc.). If you CPU/mobo support it (probably not if you are asking), you should get a second (IDENTICAL) 512 stick and run it in dual channel.

 

[RearAdmiral]

If you are not doing any heavy tasks, then it really isnt an issue. 512mb would be plenty for daily usage for a while.

 

[edelbrock]

I had 512 in my laptop and upgraded to 1GB. I noticed a considerable difference with it. Of course I do a lot of multitasking and have a lot of programs open at once. I have nothing less than 1GB in the three machines I own. But, if you aren't doing a lot of multitasking or gaming then 1GB may not be worth it right now.

 

[SynthDude2001]

If you're not a gamer, than 512mb is likely sufficient.

 

[Zebo]

Only in farcry.

 

[dionx]

from my experience, yes and i don't game much nor do photoshop. i do alot of other multitasking though

 

[Auric]

If more than 512MB physical is used often then extra capacity up to normal usage will eliminate any performance loss from paging. The question is how often and by how much. If there is not extended HDD thrashing with prolonged waits for schtuff to complete then it prolly would not make any difference at all, nevermind noticeable.

But we need not guess since Task Manager tells all under the Performance tab. If the Commit Charge Peak often exceeds Physical Memory Total, then paging is reducing performance -remember enough capacity is simply that which is sufficient to eliminate excessive paging and excess capacity cannot improve read/write performance like a peppier HDD does.

In fact, in some cases a peppier HDD would be a better choice than even adding RAM where there was not sufficient capacity for peak usage since it can dramatically minimize the effects of paging and then during average useage will actually improve performance.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Thanks guys! I'm thinking I won't benefit from more RAM