Win2k Pro: 256MB vs 384MB RAM?

[Maximus1]

I'm running Win2k Pro with 256MB of RAM. Since memory is so cheap these days, I'm wondering if going up to 384MB is worth it. Has anyone done this and noticed much of a difference? I know it depends on what kind of apps you run, and especially if you do a lot of graphics work. Right now my most intensive programs are games, so would this upgrade be worth it or would I experience the infamous law of diminishing returns? Thanks.

 

[goldboyd]

i recently went from 256 to 512 in 2k prof, and noticed a difference. i wouldnt say it was faster, but i noticed no slow down at all no matter how many windows i had open. its great, whenever i play a game or something, i just leave all my current netscape/securecrt windows open so i dont lose my place and the games still run great

 

[RalfHutter]

In either the Dec. or Jan. issue of "Maximum PC" mag they did a memory test using various benchmarks. Their general conclusion re. Win2000 was that there's little performance gain in going above 256Mb ram. Check it out on the news-stand if you can find it. They also have a website, it may be there. I went from 256Mb to 384Mb on my box and noticed no difference. I do a lot of Photoshop and some gaming.

 

[Maximus1]

Thanks for the info guys...
I think I will check out Maximum PC...thanks for the heads up

 

[Fragmeister]

I've been thinking about doing the smae, 256 -> 384. Ram is so cheap, I don't see why not. I typicaly run a minimum of 15 programs simultaniously so I dont have to open and close them, I simply minimize. Any updates from otehrs results would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I'll just do it, can always sell the extra ram is push comes to shove. Wonder how long these prices will last.

 

[Spoooon]

I was thinking about the same also. I currently have a 128 meg PC133 3-3-3 DIMM. I ordered a 256 meg stick of the same. I opened up the FedEx and see a stick of CAS 2 RAM! Woohoo. It was either a mistake or they were out of stock of what I had ordered. It's stable at 143 CAS 2. So, I just went with 256 megs of CAS 2 as opposed to having 384 megs of CAS 3.

 

[rubberneck]

While I haven't run 384MB's on this machine yet (I have a 256MB stick on the way though), I like to "Alt"/"Tab" from time to time when in games to check total memory usage (physical and virtual) under Win 2000. While running a variety of games (SC-3000, Serious Sam test, Call to Power 2, etc.), I've notice memory usuage up to 573MB's. This is with RASPPPOE internet connection, IE 5.0, Bullet Proof FTP running as well...which is not that much from a multi-tasking standpoint. So while I doubt single application results will improve much with my ram upgrade, I'm sure multi-tasking should be much more fluid.

BTW, I use a fairly barebones startup....using only 49MB's to get Win 2000 up and fully network functional.

 

[evanichka]

hm... win2k pro shouldn't matter too much but for win2kas and probably win2ks, hell yeah memory matters. Had 128MB(minimum for as recommended is 256) for a while, then went up to 192MB, then at 384MB, and now at 448MB. At 128MB, it was freakin slow, at 192 still slow, then at 384mb almost there, still a bit slow, and now at 448mb, pretty fast although still slow in some parts. Windows and programs pop right up so it's a huge difference even from 192mb.

 

[themadmonk]

Guess I gotta push my extra 256MB in my machine.

 

[Dually]

hmm. I think that 256mb is optimium for w2k, i use 640mb pc133.

 

[yos]

Yo Chris!
I just ordered another 256 for my pc (your remember, the dell) and I think that with your old philosophy, more is better...


besides, mine is still pc100 and onvia has 128mb for 39.99 after rebate!

-Yos

 

[FOBSIDE]

i have 320 in my win2k pro box. while it is a noticable difference from 256, its definitely not as big of a difference as 128 to 256. but since its so cheap...GO FOR IT!