4GB vs 8GB for gaming?

[aberchonbie]

I'm making a gaming computer right now, and wanted to know what was better (with gaming in mind)

Running a q6600 g0, dfi dk x38-t2rb (can handle 4x2GB for a total of 8GB), crossfire 2x 4870's.

Basically, I'm deciding whether i should get 4GB vs 8GB (of course i'll be running vista 64).

If I get 4GB, I will get 2x2GB set.
If I get 8GB, I will get 2 of 2x2GB sets OR a 4x2GB set.

I don't know much about memory so which set of RAM should I get. I know the q6600 runs 1066MHz FSB so running 1:1 ratio will require me to get pc8500 or 1600 MHz speed RAM.

Either that or do I get 800MHz rated RAM (I don't know why I would do this but I have read it in forums. Also, couldn't find any 4x2GB sets running at 1066 on newegg.).

I would greatly appreciate your opinions.

 

[swifty_morgan]

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/07/08/is-more-memory-better/1

 

[huron]

Thank you swifty - I have read this article too, and can't seem to find it to convince people.

 

[sandman404]

Hello aberchonbie,

My suggestion is to ask yourself how long are you going to keep the machine and what are you going to really use it for.

A few games are starting to take advantage of more memory - so is Vista. If it's not onerous to buy 8GB and the machine is going to last you three or four years... it's probably not a bad thing to do.

I've been at 4GB for a couple years now and will be replacing my machine. I intend to use it for gaming and for learning server stuff so I want to have 8GB (not to hard to find it for $400 or less).

 

[aberchonbie]

what about for RAM speeds? 800 sufficient or 1066 the way to go?

 

[br3nd064]

800mhz is good. If the chip can handle it, you can get it up to 3.6ghz without overclocking 800mhz ram.

 

[kyeana]

the actual fsb of the q6600 isn't 1066, that is the quad pumped fsb. The actual FSB is 266 and the multiplier is 9 with equals the clock speed of 2.4GHz. How fast the ram will be running at 1:1 on default clocks is 266*2 = 533.

If you want to speed your ram up the you can change your divider to times 2 which would give you 533*2 = 1066 or overclock your system.

Regardless, unless you are planning on doing heavy overclocks or really want to set the divider to 2:1 to acheive 1066 memory speed, memory rated at 800MHz should be more then enough for you

 

[nukemaster]

my vote is for 8gigs because windows can super fetch some or all of a game you play often