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    4gigs ram vs. 2gigs ram?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by washington101, Jun 27, 2007.

  1. washington101

    washington101 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey guys,
    In a laptop such as the new compal 90, what sort of real world difference (including gaming) will 4 gigs of ram accomplish over 2 gigs of ram. I am asking because I was told once that 2 gigs is all you need, but now a lot of people seem to be buying 4 gigs. Will windows run faster, will gaming be faster? What is the major advantages of so much ram? Thanks.
     
    washington101, Jun 27, 2007
    #1
  2. Crimsonman

    Crimsonman Ex NBR member :cry:

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    In order to utilize all 4 gigs of RAM you'll need a 64 bit processor. I don't think it's that much different from 2 to 4. The advantages are it's more futureproof
     
    Crimsonman, Jun 27, 2007
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  3. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    probably will have a minimal impact on games currently available, if any impact.

    in the future 4 gigs will help out with gaming.

    unless you are doing complex simulations or video editing, windows wont be faster with 4 gigs over 2
     
    masterchef341, Jun 27, 2007
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  4. thegsrguy

    thegsrguy Notebook Deity

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    Wait until RAM prices drop and 4GB is actually necessary. Most people can do just fine with 2GB.

    You'd need a 64-bit OS to properly use all 4GB anyways.
     
    thegsrguy, Jun 27, 2007
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  5. Fittersman

    Fittersman Wanna trade?

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    i second that ;)
     
    Fittersman, Jun 27, 2007
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  6. cobalic

    cobalic Notebook Evangelist

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    Better question: is there a noticeable difference in gaming when you switch from 2gigs to 3gigs? This is while using an 8400 GS.

    I'd expect a game like Oblivion to show a sizeable difference, but since I've never actually played Oblivion... :rolleyes:
     
    cobalic, Jun 27, 2007
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  7. fabarati

    fabarati Frorum Obfuscator

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    Since both 8600M GT and 8600M GS get noticeably higher performance with 3GB, the 8400M GS should get it too.
     
    fabarati, Jun 27, 2007
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  8. Fittersman

    Fittersman Wanna trade?

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    what? really? i didnt know that, i hope 2GB will be good enough for me :|
     
    Fittersman, Jun 27, 2007
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  9. washington101

    washington101 Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah, where is the data that show 3gigs gives higher performance? I would really like to see what kind of fps boost it provides!
     
    washington101, Jun 27, 2007
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  10. fabarati

    fabarati Frorum Obfuscator

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    fabarati, Jun 27, 2007
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  11. tianh

    tianh Notebook Consultant

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    but what if im buying a laptop that is 32 but but with 4 gigs? 32 bit means that it only uses 3.2 gigs so its like even better than putting in ONLY 3 gigs right?
     
    tianh, Jun 27, 2007
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  12. cobalic

    cobalic Notebook Evangelist

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    I searched the thread for the keyword 8400, and returned nothing.

    I'm actually pretty sure I want to go for 3 gigs on my new laptop (which has the 135M), so if/when I do it, I'll let you guys know.

    (My reasoning was, if i want to play Oblivion on it, the 3 gigs will definitely help - regardless of whether or not the 8400 GS will benefit a whole lot from it).
     
    cobalic, Jun 27, 2007
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  13. fabarati

    fabarati Frorum Obfuscator

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    Oh no, they didn't us the 8400. I said that the 8600M GS and GT get quite a nice performance boost at 3 GB and that the 8400 SHOULD get one as well.
     
    fabarati, Jun 28, 2007
    #13