Is 2GB of RAM overkill?

[david_uk]

Getting a new pc (athlon 64 x2 dual-core 4200) with the following motherboard:

ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe PCI-Express Mainboard - ATX

Was planning to get just 1024MB of RAM (DDR 400 PC 3200), but considering how cheap memory is at the moment, now thinking of getting twice that much ie. 2048MB. Is it worth it, or is 1024MB of memory more than enough? I'll be looking to keep the computer for about 5 years without making too many changes to it.

 

[RichPLS]

I run 2gig at 2-2-2-5 w/a Prescott 3200.
I need it cause I use it.
If you do not utilize it, it can slow down rig 1 or 2% due to increased memory registers accessing, so it depends. When needed, it will perform.

 

[david_uk]

Interesting, but surely a mere 1-2% decrease in performance is worth that much more memory? What do you use your pc for that utilises so much memory. Not sure what I'd be using mine for until I actually have it, but I would envisage running anti-virus, anti-spyware, several chat programs (sometimes including web cam), browsing internet and maybe a game or 2 (online or offline, either inbetween other activities or at the same time). There is even the option of an affordable pc with 4GB of ram!

 

[RichPLS]

I mostly use AutoCAD for design work surveying and engineering, which entails multi-drawings open and graphic embedded apps, photochop and a little video editing, plus occasional gaming all while browsing online, obviously...

 

[HisoKa]

hey.. i'm planning to built a system based on ASUS A8N32-SLI mobo with AthlonX2 4200+ and 7800GTX. currently eyeing for 1GB memory kit... is there any big difference if i use 2gig instead of 1 gig right now? im using int primarily for games with antivirus and instant messagging and probably few bittorents client running at the back...

 

[dougyfresh]

i've heard only a few games like battlefield 2 and fear really take advantage of the 2GB. But, you know that future things will benefit from it, then your memory won't be your bottleneck. Bf2 runs bad on my computer and I have a64 3200+ 2.0GHz, 2x512 xms 3200, 7800 GT, 2x160 sata Raid 0 7200rpm, audigy 2

 

[david_uk]

what resolution do you run the game at? your set up sounds similar to what mine might be. Games seem to be run at 2 different resolutions these days, either 1600 x 1200 or 1280 x 1024 and there seems to be a big performance difference between the 2.

Interestingly I've just come back from shops where I stopped to read a computer mag that reviewed 6 pc systems. All the systems had 1GB of ram and the mag commented that 1GB of ram was the minimum requirement these days and more ram would result in a performance increase.