Performance hit with increased memory...

[AFurryReptile]

After weeks of trying, I think I may have figured it out. With both a 2x2GB config and a 4x1GB config, certain games, namely 32bit ones, have taken big performance hits, as opposed to running on only 2GB. Some games, like World of Warcraft, can fluctuate anywhere between 20-60 FPS, depending on the number of TREES in the game. Desktop apps and 64bit games, like Crysis, have increased in performance with the 4GB.

I've come to the conclusion that 32bit games don't seem to like more than 2GB, probably because XP could never utilize it, and that would probably help explain why I see such hits in only those games.

Does anyone know if I am anywhere near correct in my thinking? I really am tired of trying to make those games work better with 4GB, and I just want to know why they suffer so badly, or if there's anything I can do.

I don't believe it has anything to do with the 650i chipset, Intel CPU, and 4 stick RAM, because it is the same with just 2x2GB sticks. My memory isn't running 2T either.

Also, could my Video Card be bottlenecking my system? Vista's WEI rates it at a 5.9 aero, and 5.8 3d graphics. Maybe a new DX10 card would fix my problems?

Any sort of input will be greatly appreciated.

My computer is shown in my profile.

 

[robisbell]

XP SP2 can use up to 3.5GB , I stick to 3GB for any non 64bit version of windows. I beta tested Vista, and I recommend if you want to use 4Gb of ram, use XP professional 64bit, Vista is not ready and will need more Service Packs than XP to be usable.

from what I can see on the mobo specs, the video card and ram are the 2 main issues I see, plus the PSU.
http://www.msicomputer.com/pro..._SLI_Platinum&class=mb
you're looking at replacing the ram for one that the board and truly support. I'd get DDR2-800,
a 512MB video card, and 650 watt PSU (I recommend PC Power and Cooling).

 

[AFurryReptile]

The RAM is DDR2 800, I've got it dropped to 667 so that it runs in a 1:1 ratio with my OC'd cpu. Doing that has allowed to me to tighten my timings without problem, and has increased speed immensely, in both games and on the desktop.

I know the the PSU sucks... I'm buying myself a nice new OCZ gamestream 700Watt for Christmas

I can't see how it would be the video card, really, when those games ran well with only 2gb RAM.

It's weird, I know, but overall, my performance is great... only those 32bit games run badly on me.

 

[practor]

OMG you have a ic chip set mix up with your mem, MoBo. Your vid card wont handle that. X9 is fine for now. And why run vista?? your driver might be wrong?

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: AFurryReptile
The RAM is DDR2 800, I've got it dropped to 667 so that it runs in a 1:1 ratio with my OC'd cpu. Doing that has allowed to me to tighten my timings without problem, and has increased speed immensely, in both games and on the desktop.

I know the the PSU sucks... I'm buying myself a nice new OCZ gamestream 700Watt for Christmas

I can't see how it would be the video card, really, when those games ran well with only 2gb RAM.

It's weird, I know, but overall, my performance is great... only those 32bit games run badly on me.

Since each 32 bit app can only see a 2GB virtual memory space, and since it sees that regardless of how much RAM you have in the machine, that's not what I'd expect to have happen.

Has the publisher anything to say about this? I'd think by now 4GB + 64 bit OS is starting to be less rare; do they have any feedback?

The PSU is more than enough for that config. Read nandtech's guides and reviews of that GPU and you'll see you only need a fraction of the 585W PSU you have now.

 

[AFurryReptile]

Really, I HAVE to upgrade my PSU. Currently, there is a 4pin connector on the motherboard when there should be an 8 pin. Plus, it's nearing 2 years old... don't need it to go and fry any of my new parts.

Good idea about seeing what publishers have to say though, I'll look into it.