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    Memory and Vista Question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Nikkolas, Apr 27, 2009.

  1. Nikkolas

    Nikkolas Notebook Geek

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    hi all Big Question
    Im looking into getting a new laptop with a discrete dedicated graphics card and it is vista64 on most machines now my question is since im going to play world of warcraft, everquest 1 and 2 neverwinter nights 1 photo and video editing and minro 3d renders do i Need 4 gigs of ram or can i get away with 3 on a vista 64 laptop?
     
    Nikkolas, Apr 27, 2009
    #1
  2. nacr05

    nacr05 Extreme Overclocker

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    That would be a waste being x64 uses all 4 gigs of the ram.. 32bit doesnt.. More ram faster apps launch and more programs to be opened. Stick with the 4GB's
     
    nacr05, Apr 27, 2009
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  3. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    If you have a 64-bit capable Windows OS, then by all means, populate your notebook SO-DIMM slots with a 4GB kit (2 x 2GB) of appropriate memory. You only do yourself a disservice by installing less. Besides, since you have a 64-bit OS installed, it will be able to read all 4GB of memory, so really, there are no con's to picking up a kit of 4GB RAM for your notebook.

    HOWEVER, if you are buying this laptop from a vendor, such as Dell, Gateway, etc., and you are configuring how much memory to have installed in the machine, here is a valuable tip. In nearly all cases, it will be cheaper to just have them install the default amount of RAM in your notebook (usually 3GB) and not bother upgrading the memory at this point.

    Once you take receipt of your laptop, buy a kit of 4GB memory (usually around $30 or so for a quality kit) and replace your 3GB kit with the 4GB kit. Not only will you get better quality RAM (Dell and Gateway have used Hynix in the past) with a lifetime warranty, but you should be able to save a bit of money in the process to boot. Dell, Gateway, et al all love to charge a premium for a full kit of 4GB on their sites. Don't let them rob you by charging you a premium for a 4GB kit of memory.
     
    garetjax, Apr 27, 2009
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  4. jboy41

    jboy41 Notebook Enthusiast

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    If you're going with a 64bit then I'd say you should get the 4gb of ram. Its really not much more expensive now and at some point you're going to wish you had the extra 1gb.
    I was just looking into getting a new hard drive and was like damn I wish I had gotten a bigger one before! I guess thats always the issue with computers trying to decide where the sweet spot as far as price and technology.
     
    jboy41, Apr 30, 2009
    #4