8GB vs 16GB [Budget Gaming/Workstation Build]

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

I am a computer enthusiast and I just want to build my own budget computer right around the holidays with the best deals. I am debating on what I should get: 8GB or 16GB of RAM. I have heard that they don't really make a difference, so I'm not sure. I primarily use computers for gaming and development (i.e. VirtualBox, Application Dev, Photoshopping, etc). My target budget is around $300-400. Here is what I have now:

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 @ 3.2GHz - $70
Motherboard: MSI B85M-G43 Micro ATX LGA 1150 - $75
RAM: Either G. Skill Sniper Gaming Series 16 GB or 8GB - (16GB - $122)
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM - $55
PSU: Corsair CX Series CX430 - $43
Case: Azza SIRIUS CS+AZ-2065 - $25

(Probably an optical drive too)LG Internal 24x Super Multi - $18

(I am planning to recieve the Intel CPU as a gift)

Grand Total: $320/with optical drive: $338

I really want to get a budget desktop workstation, nothing too expensive. If I can keep the price at about $320 or less, I'll be happy

-ItAintObeezyGaming

 

[USAFRet]

If you're going to be running VM's, they will need RAM space. 2-4GB each, depending on what OS. If you're going to be running 2 or more VM's at once, you probably need 16GB.

But squeezing all of that (plus the OS?) into ~$300 is going to be tough.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

If you're going to be running VM's, they will need RAM space. 2-4GB each, depending on what OS. If you're going to be running 2 or more VM's at once, you probably need 16GB.

But squeezing all of that (plus the OS?) into ~$300 is going to be tough.

I already have the parent OS bought (Windows 8.1) and I will probably be working with 1 VM at a time. BTW, are there amy cheap 12gb under $100?

 

[USAFRet]

If you're going to be running VM's, they will need RAM space. 2-4GB each, depending on what OS. If you're going to be running 2 or more VM's at once, you probably need 16GB.

But squeezing all of that (plus the OS?) into ~$300 is going to be tough.

I already have the parent OS bought (Windows 8.1) and I will probably be working with 1 VM at a time. BTW, are there amy cheap 12gb under $100?

I bought this yesterday for another build: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416
8GB for $58.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

So, I just want to have a fast desktop computer with good RAM, maybe 12GB and is it under $90?

 

[USAFRet]

So, I just want to have a fast desktop computer with good RAM, maybe 12GB and is it under $90?

For that CPU and board, you want 8 or 16GB, not 12. Dual channel.
2 x 4GB or 4 x 4GB.

The above linked item would be $116 for 16GB.

 

[J_E_D_70]

Has to be identical sticks - so no 12gb. 8 or 16.

Did I miss where you list the GPU?

 

[USAFRet]

So, I just want to have a fast desktop computer with good RAM, maybe 12GB and is it under $90?

Overall though, the Pentium G3258 will not be "a fast desktop computer" with your intended uses.
It's OK, but not a screamer.

 

[bootcher]

For dual channel you don't need identical ram. The 12 gb will work in dual channel.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

So, I just want to have a fast desktop computer with good RAM, maybe 12GB and is it under $90?

For that CPU and board, you want 8 or 16GB, not 12. Dual channel.
2 x 4GB or 4 x 4GB.

The above linked item would be $116 for 16GB.

I will be overclocking the CPU

So, I just want to have a fast desktop computer with good RAM, maybe 12GB and is it under $90?

Overall though, the Pentium G3258 will not be "a fast desktop computer" with your intended uses.
It's OK, but not a screamer.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

Can you have 3 sticks of 4GB? So, this is getting a bit off topic but I just want a decision, 8Gb or 16GB?

 

[USAFRet]

Can you have 3 sticks of 4GB? So, this is getting a bit off topic but I just want a decision, 8Gb or 16GB?

Can you? Sure. Personally, I'd go with the 16GB.

 

[bootcher]

Get the 8gb. If it is not sufficient, you can easily upgrade to more ram.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

It has been decided. 16GB here we come!

 

[bootcher]

What usafret said is right, this build isn't a powerfull workstation. The dual core pentium isn't a good performer. A quad amd might get you better results for the same price. If you want to overclock I would recommend a full size atx for better stability and higher overclocks.
Also, without a dedicated videocard, you won't be able to do much gaming.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

It's my very first build - I just want a better computer than my 3 yea r old PC with these specs:

CPU: Intel Celeron B280 @ 1.70GHz
RAM: 4GB
Bit-Type: 64bit
OS: Windows 8.1
HDD: Western Digital 279GB
MFG: Gateway - NE56R27U

 

[USAFRet]

For your stated uses - " primarily use computers for gaming and development (i.e. VirtualBox, Application Dev, Photoshopping, etc)"

...that is a very weak PC. I understand budgeting issues, but do not expect too much from this thing.

That type of build I would make for 'email and facebook', or for a 10 year old to do his homework on.
Not for dev and photoshop.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

For your stated uses - " primarily use computers for gaming and development (i.e. VirtualBox, Application Dev, Photoshopping, etc)"

...that is a very weak PC. I understand budgeting issues, but do not expect too much from this thing.

That type of build I would make for 'email and facebook', or for a 10 year old to do his homework on.
Not for dev and photoshop.

On the bright side, better than my old PC that's sitting in front of me :/

In the future I plan to have a bigger budget, around $1000

This is a first and I'm not a millionaire. I'm not going to do hardcore gaming, just occasion editting and rendering, not-so-resource intensive games, and some VM stuff.

What was in your first custom rig? Do you think this is alright? I don't need it lightning fast, just need it to work.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

What usafret said is right, this build isn't a powerfull workstation. The dual core pentium isn't a good performer. A quad amd might get you better results for the same price. If you want to overclock I would recommend a full size atx for better stability and higher overclocks.
Also, without a dedicated videocard, you won't be able to do much gaming.

Can you recommend me some mobos that are full-size ATX? Under $100?

 

[USAFRet]

What was in your first custom rig? Do you think this is alright? I don't need it lightning fast, just need it to work.

My first 'built from parts boxes' PC was 1996 or so. So not really relevant.

Will your chosen parts work? Yes.
Will the performance be good for your predicted use? Not really. It will work, but it will be slow.

 

[USAFRet]

In your specific use case, the VM concept will be the issue. Running multiple OS's at the same time will drag your chosen CPU into the gutter.

And don't get "Photoshop". No need to spend that money. And if you are getting Adobe Photoshop via 'other means'...don't do that either.
There are many, many free or inexpensive photo editing applications that will do 95% of what Adobe Photoshop does. And are less resource intensive.

GIMP and Paint.net are two very capable, 100% free, alternatives.

 

[bootcher]

Here is an alternative. You could do some overclocking, but not much. Still with this setup you will have a nice pc that will able you to run all games on medium/high settings and also get a good quad core, which is better for multi-tasking. You could do a similar setup with the pentium, which would perform about the same except in multi-tasking.

I did not include a case since I think you can use your old case.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.61 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Biostar A58MD Ver. 6.x Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($41.36 @ Mwave)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 270 2GB TurboDuo Video Card ($111.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $320.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-23 19:43 EST-0500

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

Bootcher, is there a cheap quad-core Intel CPU? I am going to stick to the Intel side because I've never really had good experience with AMD processors. Also, I switched the mobo to Asus Z87-A. I will not be getting a video card because I will not be primarily using it for graphics things like video editting or high quality gaming.

I will be using 16GB for VM use. 8GB for each machine so, I will not spend more money for a video card because I'm on a tight budget.

 

[bootcher]

You can upgrade later to an i5, which is a quad core cpu, the newest/cheapest is the 4460 I believe.

 

[ItAintObeezyGaming]

Is the G3258 OK for this first time build? I'm no professional, just an enthusiast

Also, why are the quad-cores so expensive with Intel? What is the difference with dual and quad cores?