Worth getting 6GB RAM for gaming on this laptop?

Hey guys,

Sorry for posting yet another post but am about to pull the trigger on this laptop but have one small issue that needs ironing out.

Will be getting this laptop:
dv6-1390
Processor: Core 2 Duo P8800 2.66ghz
Memory: 4096 MB
Hard drive: 500 GB 5300rpm
Screen: 15" (1366x768) High Definition HP LED Brightview Display
Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 4650 1 GB DDR3

I know the HD4650 isn't a powerhouse but it seems to fulfill my random gaming needs (mainly RTS's, a few older FPS's). The only thing I'm wondering is, is it worth upgrading to 6GB RAM (it's a 64 bit OS)? I know I'm bottlenecked by the graphics card, but for gaming will that extra 2GB prove useful in extending the longevity of the card? Pls guys let me know ASAP. Probably buying the laptop today...or Monday

 

If you're gaming then 4gb is more than enough. I don't know any game that uses more than 2gb of ram.

 

I would say probably not. 4GB is still a lot for most desktops and I think the only time I got an low RAM error with my 4GB is when I tried rendering a 800x600 15 second .gif in Photoshop. For gaming, you probably won't notice a difference in the extra 2GB from 4GB.

 

For gaming, 4GB is plenty. Wait to upgrade to 6GB. With win7 gaining an already huge clientel, more 64-bit users will be coming into the fray enabling game developers to take advantage of increased memory capacities. End of '10 might be a good time to upgrade.

If you run any power apps, 6GB is nice. I couldn't go back to 4GB on my desktop, especially with how win7 handles memory. If you have the money to spend, it doesn't hurt, but its usually around $200 to increase memory to 6GB, and I think that money is better spent upgrading the GPU or CPU.

 

Thanks guys for the quick replies. Alright, I do use photoshop but mainly for photoediting and graphic design. Will that 6GB be a huge improvement? Used to work with 2GB RAM and it was OK.

Edit: Also it's a laptop so there's not much I can actually upgrade . Is it possible to upgrade the GPU after purchase? Oh and I'll be getting Win 7 64-bit if that makes a difference

 

With your hp you probably won't be able to upgrade either the GPU or CPU. Many of the high performance brands allow for CPU, and even GPU upgrades.

I doubt you'd notice that much of a difference, if at all. You can always upgrade later. The option to upgrade to 6gb costs $200, am I right? If you find you could use the memory after trying 4gb, you can spend the extra $200 to pick up a 4gb stick and install it yourself (plus you can sell the 2gb stick you replaced).

Ultimately it's up to you.

 

Aight thanks. Guess that's a pretty definitive answer. Shame I won't be able to upgrade GPU.

Thanks guys, guess I'll be sticking with 4!

 

I recommend you buy a gaming laptop with a high end GPU now. You have even already talked about whether it will be possible to upgrade the GPU in the future as well.

I will never forget the first time I purchased a gaming laptop with playing a few old games in mind but then I found myself wanting to play newer more 3D intensive titles. I would have saved myself a lot of time, money and bother if I simply purchased a high end laptop in the first place. I now think there is no such thing as light gaming.

 

Anything over 4GB is for creative content. Gaming could survive with 2-4GB easily.

If you are going 64bit, make sure and get 3GB+ to get the benefits, because its OH so good.

You'll never understand why you stayed with 32 bit so long.

 

In my opinion anything over 2GB is overkill for gaming... Unless you plan on running photoshop at the same time you're playing Crysis. I'm only using 1.5GB and games work perfectly fine.

 

Looks like most companies are charging around $300 more, above the 4GB, to get 6GB. Quite costly still.

Have you though about a different system? The Sager NP8662 is a decent system with an impressive video card (GTX 260m).
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8662-built-clevo-m860tu-custom-gaming-laptop-p-2564.html

XoticPC has a large lineup of systems to choose from, and anybody know is familiar with Sager systems, and XoticPC in particular, will tell you they are far better in almost every way when compared to the heavy hitters of Dell, Alienware, HP, Gateway, etc.

http://www.xoticpc.com/custom-gaming-laptops-notebooks-gaming-laptops-ct-118_96_98.html

 

try xoptic pc.. any of those laptops there beats anything hp has.. and if you want a proper gaming laptop, get one of the laptops there..