Upgrading memory from 256 to 512, increase in Performance?

[8602081]

I'm thinking about upgrading my computer memory from 256 to 512. Does anyone know how much performance increase I would see?

 

[mitaiwan82]

I think you would see minimal improvement using Word and other common apps...games should run about the same also. The only advantage would be doing something like Photoshop, where you can open several large pictures w/o the system bogging down. I'm saying this about win2k, which mangages ram better than win9x (less memory leaks!)

 

[igiveup]

What he said. Depends ENTIRELY upon the OS and program used most frequently.

 

[potz]

You'll see improvment in graphics programs, video editing, and certain games that are memory hogs. Otherwise no.

 

[ProviaFan]

As the others here have said, it depends on what programs you run. But the OS can make a difference as well. Windows 98 will actually slow down with that much RAM unless you extensively tweak it (ask somebody else; I've never done that). Windows 2000 Pro will use it if necessary and will not slow down. Linux will use most all of it, but most of that usage will be for disk caching, and some of that space will be deallocated if programs need to use it.

 

[ledzepp98]

in win2k, i can stay below 256meg usage with light gaming (ut, q3, ...) and basic usage (internet, word, ...). however, when i start getting down to the nitty gritty and i have acrobat5, photoshop6, 3dsmaxr3, dreamweaver4, and a handfull of windows and browsers open, i can easily be using over 400megs of ram (according to task manager). point being, it depends on what you do...i generally tell friends that 256 is the right amount for general purpose usage.

 

[LoStZ]

Like others mentioned, if you're using 98/ME I doubt it'll do you any good. Since it has such horrible memory handlage. I'd say 256 would be a good enough amount for 98/ME. But if 2000, then hell throw anything at it and it'll use it for ya!