Question about RAM

Spiah · 2012-08-08, 03:43 PM

Hey all,
I'm looking to upgrade my computer slightly. This isn't just in anticipation of PS2, but also, I haven't done any upgrades since I built in April 2011. However, I am about to begin

I have an x4 955, 6870 and 4gb ram. I have heard that 4gb ram could possibly bottleneck me in PS2. I can easily upgrade to 8gb, but how realistic is this bottleneck? Frankly, aside from PS2 I don't need 8gb, and I could spend the money on other needed things (like a new soundcard + headphones

)

What do you guys think? Frankly, I'd like to get a new pair of phones (I have buds right now!), but if PS2 will result in a lagfest, maybe the RAM would be a smarter purchase.

Here's a speccy if anyone wants some reference.

Link: The RAM in question

Rbstr · 2012-08-08, 03:53 PM

I'm not sure...I think more ram is probably worth it for most gamers, because lots of games do bump into 4gb especially with stuff in the background. PS2 probably benefits from it because of the very large maps and other things.

Whatever the case, $30 certainly isn't a soundcard worth owning, so I don't quite see the equivalency here

Vancha · 2012-08-08, 05:07 PM

As Rbstr said, you're looking at hundreds of pounds/dollars if you want decent audio, whereas 8GB RAM can be had for sub-40 in either currency.

Spiah · 2012-08-08, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by Rbstr

Whatever the case, $30 certainly isn't a soundcard worth owning, so I don't quite see the equivalency here

I was more talking, if I don't buy the ram, I'd put the money towards headphones/soundcard. Definitely wasn't trying to imply a price equivalency. Regardless, I'm not an audiophile, I just needed a new setup.

Thanks though.
I'll probably buy the ram.

Bags · 2012-08-08, 05:33 PM

4gb ram is sufficient if all you want to do is run windows/the game. If you want anything else in the background, I recommend 8.

Spiah · 2012-08-08, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by Bags

4gb ram is sufficient if all you want to do is run windows/the game. If you want anything else in the background, I recommend 8.

Thanks for that. I usually run with spotify in the BG for music. Seems like 8 is the best bet.
Now to wait for Newegg to get more stock...

Rbstr · 2012-08-08, 06:41 PM

Yeah, I'm pretty sure 8gb will be a positive impact on the game.

Honestly, if you're not an audiophile or care for some of the sound card features, you're may not be missing out on much. Especially just streaming Spotify.
I'd upgrade the 'phones or speakers first and see if that brings out anything, then think about a sound card.
A little bit of the audiophile world spills over to computers here so there's a good bit of BS marketing.

Spiah · 2012-08-08, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Rbstr

A little bit of the audiophile world spills over to computers here so there's a good bit of BS marketing.

My thoughts exactly. I've ordered some ATH-M30's. I needed something closed, and Amazon had them on a deal for $38. Reviews seemed good, so I winged it!

Thanks