Will 1 gig of RAM do?

[Ryan]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of RAM will
make a difference from 512.

 

[galen]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

In news:4A9A7678-3C60-43D2-9251-4317CBA31F89@microsoft.com,
Ryan <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> had this to say:

> I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of
> RAM will make a difference from 512.

In some aspects yes but you'd be better off spending your money to buy a new
video card if you don't have one with 256 MB or above on it already. RAM
will help the OS run faster and the game will load faster but the graphics
portion of the game will not be effected that much from RAM unless your
graphics is via an onboard unit. If that's the case you'll get a much higher
FPS with better resolution with a new card. Video cards have gone down in
price lately and there's a good many places to shop for them online if you'd
like.

Galen
--

"My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me
the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am
in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial
stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for
mental exaltation." -- Sherlock Holmes

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Gaming requires fast processors and heavy graphics cards.. 1gb RAM will be
of little use to you..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4A9A7678-3C60-43D2-9251-4317CBA31F89@microsoft.com...
> I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of RAM
> will
> make a difference from 512.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Hi

The amount of RAM for playing games doesn't always count towards a good
gaming machine. What graphics and sound cards have you got? An upgrade
from 521MB to 1GB will make a difference, but will be dependent on other
installed devices.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups.


"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4A9A7678-3C60-43D2-9251-4317CBA31F89@microsoft.com...
> I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of RAM
> will
> make a difference from 512.

 

[Ryan]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

I have onboard graphics, but was considering getting an inexpensive video card.

Is this any good?
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-145-076&DEPA=1

"Will Denny" wrote:

> Hi
>
> The amount of RAM for playing games doesn't always count towards a good
> gaming machine. What graphics and sound cards have you got? An upgrade
> from 521MB to 1GB will make a difference, but will be dependent on other
> installed devices.
>
> --
>
> Will Denny
> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
> Please reply to the News Groups.
>
>
> "Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:4A9A7678-3C60-43D2-9251-4317CBA31F89@microsoft.com...
> > I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of RAM
> > will
> > make a difference from 512.
>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:
> Gaming requires fast processors and heavy graphics cards.. 1gb RAM will be
> of little use to you..
>


That depends on the game. Morrowind says it needs 256 MB of memory,
will work for awhile with 512 MB, but really needs 1 GB. I ran the game
for years with 512 MB and often ran into a "memory leak" problem with
the game where it would go from using around 200 MB of memory to over
500 MB before it crashed. Upgrading to 1 GB seemed to get rid of the
problem, or at least delayed it to where it doesn't affect me anymore.
The game was just as playable with a Radeon 7500 as with the 9700 Pro
that replaced it. The only difference was the 9700 displayed some of
the special effects.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Hi

On-board graphics are no good for gaming. You will have to purchase a
separate card and then disable the on-board setup.

The card you have suggested is a good choice. This one is more powerful:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-122-191R&depa=1

What kind of games do you play?

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups.


"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:3865659A-5164-45C5-9725-18E7052EF0E7@microsoft.com...
>I have onboard graphics, but was considering getting an inexpensive video
>card.
>
> Is this any good?
> http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-145-076&DEPA=1
>
> "Will Denny" wrote:
>
>> Hi
>>
>> The amount of RAM for playing games doesn't always count towards a good
>> gaming machine. What graphics and sound cards have you got? An upgrade
>> from 521MB to 1GB will make a difference, but will be dependent on other
>> installed devices.
>>
>> --
>>
>> Will Denny
>> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
>> Please reply to the News Groups.
>>
>>
>> "Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:4A9A7678-3C60-43D2-9251-4317CBA31F89@microsoft.com...
>> > I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of RAM
>> > will
>> > make a difference from 512.
>>
>>
>>

 

[Ryan]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

I'm looking to play war games like Battlefield Vietnam and other games made
by Novalogic.

"Will Denny" wrote:

> Hi
>
> On-board graphics are no good for gaming. You will have to purchase a
> separate card and then disable the on-board setup.
>
> The card you have suggested is a good choice. This one is more powerful:
>
> http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-122-191R&depa=1
>
> What kind of games do you play?
>
> --
>
> Will Denny
> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
> Please reply to the News Groups.
>
>
> "Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:3865659A-5164-45C5-9725-18E7052EF0E7@microsoft.com...
> >I have onboard graphics, but was considering getting an inexpensive video
> >card.
> >
> > Is this any good?
> > http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-145-076&DEPA=1
> >
> > "Will Denny" wrote:
> >
> >> Hi
> >>
> >> The amount of RAM for playing games doesn't always count towards a good
> >> gaming machine. What graphics and sound cards have you got? An upgrade
> >> from 521MB to 1GB will make a difference, but will be dependent on other
> >> installed devices.
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> Will Denny
> >> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
> >> Please reply to the News Groups.
> >>
> >>
> >> "Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:4A9A7678-3C60-43D2-9251-4317CBA31F89@microsoft.com...
> >> > I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of RAM
> >> > will
> >> > make a difference from 512.
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Hi

Yes, that card will do you. Remember to close any other programs that might
be running in the background - that can make one helluva difference!!

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups.


"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:01C2425C-5678-4C7E-81BD-7DC618034312@microsoft.com...
> I'm looking to play war games like Battlefield Vietnam and other games
> made
> by Novalogic.
>
> "Will Denny" wrote:
>
>> Hi
>>
>> On-board graphics are no good for gaming. You will have to purchase a
>> separate card and then disable the on-board setup.
>>
>> The card you have suggested is a good choice. This one is more powerful:
>>
>> http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-122-191R&depa=1
>>
>> What kind of games do you play?
>>
>> --
>>
>> Will Denny
>> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
>> Please reply to the News Groups.
>>
>>
>> "Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:3865659A-5164-45C5-9725-18E7052EF0E7@microsoft.com...
>> >I have onboard graphics, but was considering getting an inexpensive
>> >video
>> >card.
>> >
>> > Is this any good?
>> > http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-145-076&DEPA=1
>> >
>> > "Will Denny" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Hi
>> >>
>> >> The amount of RAM for playing games doesn't always count towards a
>> >> good
>> >> gaming machine. What graphics and sound cards have you got? An
>> >> upgrade
>> >> from 521MB to 1GB will make a difference, but will be dependent on
>> >> other
>> >> installed devices.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >>
>> >> Will Denny
>> >> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
>> >> Please reply to the News Groups.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:4A9A7678-3C60-43D2-9251-4317CBA31F89@microsoft.com...
>> >> > I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of
>> >> > RAM
>> >> > will
>> >> > make a difference from 512.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Galen wrote:
> In news:4A9A7678-3C60-43D2-9251-4317CBA31F89@microsoft.com,
> Ryan <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> had this to say:
>
>> I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of
>> RAM will make a difference from 512.
>
> In some aspects yes but you'd be better off spending your money to
> buy a new video card if you don't have one with 256 MB or above on it
> already. RAM will help the OS run faster and the game will load
> faster but the graphics portion of the game will not be effected that
> much from RAM unless your graphics is via an onboard unit. If that's
> the case you'll get a much higher FPS with better resolution with a
> new card. Video cards have gone down in price lately and there's a
> good many places to shop for them online if you'd like.
>
> Galen


You are an idiot. Graphics is dependant on far more than just the graphics
card.Try sticking an X800XT Pro PE in a machine with a P2 and a 1x/2x AGP
slot and and identical card in another system with an Athlon FX-55. Then try
running 3DMark. If a high FPS was purely down to the graphics card, then the
scores should be more or less identical.

Oh and there's more to what makes a good graphics card than just VRAM.
You're probably one of those people who, if faced with two graphics cards -
say a 9800 Pro with 128MB and a 9600 with 256 would choose the 9600 "because
it has more RAM". Well you'd be a complete moron for doing so - a 9800 Pro
will beat the pants off a 9600 in 3DMark - the amount of RAM is irrelevant
(almost).

Oh and I don't know what you mean by "256MB or above" - there is no such
thing as "above" - 256MB is the most you're going to get. nVidia claim that
the GeForce 7 series (with 512MB) will be released third quarter, but I
wouldn't hold them to it... I'd expect a Christmas release.

--
Facon - the artificial bacon bits you get in Pizza Hut for sprinkling
on salads.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

ATI X850 XT with 512mb is expected to hit the market in .September.
http://www.tomshardware.com/hardnews/20050226_174539.html

But there is already a 640mb card - although designed for CAD and high end
graphics work not gaming.
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-124-114&depa=1
http://www.3dlabs.com/products/family.asp?fami=9

--
Cari (MS-MVP)
Printing & Imaging

"Miss Perspicacia Tick" <noone@here.com> wrote in message
news:O9NXd.6719$p93.657@fe06.highwinds-media.phx...

snip.
>
> Oh and I don't know what you mean by "256MB or above" - there is no such
> thing as "above" - 256MB is the most you're going to get. nVidia claim
> that the GeForce 7 series (with 512MB) will be released third quarter, but
> I wouldn't hold them to it... I'd expect a Christmas release.
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I'm looking to do some modest gaming and was wondering if 1 gig of RAM will
>make a difference from 512.

Adding more memory can noticeably improve performance only if the
added memory results in reduced usage of the virtual memory paging
file. Therefore if the paging file is not currently being used to any
significant extent then adding more memory will not provide a
significant improvement.

Unfortunately there is no ready way of determing actual paging file
usage provided with Windows XP - it does not have an equivalent to the
'Memory Manager - Swap File In Use" reporting provided by the System
Monitor utility in Windows 95/98/Me.

There is a free utility that you can download and run which will
provide this information for you. It was written by MVP Bill James and
you can get if from
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm or from
http://billsway.com/notes_public/WinXP_Tweaks/

If that utility shows actual page file usage of 50 mb or more on a
regular basis then that is indicative of fairly significant paging
file activity. Adding more RAM will reduce or even eliminate entirely
this activity thereby improving performance.

This apples regardless of how much or how little RAM is currently
installed in the computer, at least up to the 4 gb RAM maximum for
Windows XP.

Hope this explains the situation.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP"

 

[galen]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

In news:O9NXd.6719$p93.657@fe06.highwinds-media.phx,
Miss Perspicacia Tick <noone@here.com> had this to say:

> You are an idiot. Graphics is dependant on far more than just the
> graphics card.Try sticking an X800XT Pro PE in a machine with a P2
> and a 1x/2x AGP slot and and identical card in another system with an
> Athlon FX-55. Then try running 3DMark. If a high FPS was purely down
> to the graphics card, then the scores should be more or less
> identical.
> Oh and there's more to what makes a good graphics card than just VRAM.
> You're probably one of those people who, if faced with two graphics
> cards - say a 9800 Pro with 128MB and a 9600 with 256 would choose
> the 9600 "because it has more RAM". Well you'd be a complete moron
> for doing so - a 9800 Pro will beat the pants off a 9600 in 3DMark -
> the amount of RAM is irrelevant (almost).
>
> Oh and I don't know what you mean by "256MB or above" - there is no
> such thing as "above" - 256MB is the most you're going to get. nVidia
> claim that the GeForce 7 series (with 512MB) will be released third
> quarter, but I wouldn't hold them to it... I'd expect a Christmas
> release.

Yay. A flame from the lady with a her panties in a knot. Actually, when
faced with two choices for cards I buy the one that's most recommended by my
peers and fits my budget. While this makes me no less an idiot it does make
me happy with the hardware that I get. As for their not being anything in a
higher range than 256 MB you're sorely mistaken as has been pointed out to
you already. I, it seem, tend to look in search engines prior to posting. I
do, however, feel honored to be flamed by you.

Tick eh? Isn't that from a Terry Pratchett novel? Namely a kids novel? In
the juvenile fantasy genre? Need I say more?

*plonk*

Galen
--
Signature changed for as a moment of silence.
Rest well Alex and we'll see you on the other side.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Cari (MS-MVP) wrote:
> ATI X850 XT with 512mb is expected to hit the market in .September.
> http://www.tomshardware.com/hardnews/20050226_174539.html
>
> But there is already a 640mb card - although designed for CAD and
> high end graphics work not gaming.
> http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-124-114&depa=1
> http://www.3dlabs.com/products/family.asp?fami=9
>


Doesn't make him any the less of an idiot, though! (yes I know that doesn't
read correctly).
--
Facon - the artificial bacon bits you get in Pizza Hut for sprinkling
on salads.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Yeah ! she don't wear panties, the smell eats them up !

"Galen" <galennews@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:Ost3r%23YJFHA.2852@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> In news:O9NXd.6719$p93.657@fe06.highwinds-media.phx,
> Miss Perspicacia Tick <noone@here.com> had this to say:
>
>> You are an idiot. Graphics is dependant on far more than just the
>> graphics card.Try sticking an X800XT Pro PE in a machine with a P2
>> and a 1x/2x AGP slot and and identical card in another system with an
>> Athlon FX-55. Then try running 3DMark. If a high FPS was purely down
>> to the graphics card, then the scores should be more or less
>> identical.
>> Oh and there's more to what makes a good graphics card than just VRAM.
>> You're probably one of those people who, if faced with two graphics
>> cards - say a 9800 Pro with 128MB and a 9600 with 256 would choose
>> the 9600 "because it has more RAM". Well you'd be a complete moron
>> for doing so - a 9800 Pro will beat the pants off a 9600 in 3DMark -
>> the amount of RAM is irrelevant (almost).
>>
>> Oh and I don't know what you mean by "256MB or above" - there is no
>> such thing as "above" - 256MB is the most you're going to get. nVidia
>> claim that the GeForce 7 series (with 512MB) will be released third
>> quarter, but I wouldn't hold them to it... I'd expect a Christmas
>> release.
>
> Yay. A flame from the lady with a her panties in a knot. Actually, when
> faced with two choices for cards I buy the one that's most recommended by
> my peers and fits my budget. While this makes me no less an idiot it does
> make me happy with the hardware that I get. As for their not being
> anything in a higher range than 256 MB you're sorely mistaken as has been
> pointed out to you already. I, it seem, tend to look in search engines
> prior to posting. I do, however, feel honored to be flamed by you.
>
> Tick eh? Isn't that from a Terry Pratchett novel? Namely a kids novel? In
> the juvenile fantasy genre? Need I say more?
>
> *plonk*
>
> Galen
> --
> Signature changed for as a moment of silence.
> Rest well Alex and we'll see you on the other side.
>

 

[Andre]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

and how old are you?


"Rattleon" <rattle@overhere.iam> wrote in message
news:ODlENAmJFHA.2764@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Yeah ! she don't wear panties, the smell eats them up !
>
> "Galen" <galennews@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:Ost3r%23YJFHA.2852@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> > In news:O9NXd.6719$p93.657@fe06.highwinds-media.phx,
> > Miss Perspicacia Tick <noone@here.com> had this to say:
> >
> >> You are an idiot. Graphics is dependant on far more than just the
> >> graphics card.Try sticking an X800XT Pro PE in a machine with a P2
> >> and a 1x/2x AGP slot and and identical card in another system with an
> >> Athlon FX-55. Then try running 3DMark. If a high FPS was purely down
> >> to the graphics card, then the scores should be more or less
> >> identical.
> >> Oh and there's more to what makes a good graphics card than just VRAM.
> >> You're probably one of those people who, if faced with two graphics
> >> cards - say a 9800 Pro with 128MB and a 9600 with 256 would choose
> >> the 9600 "because it has more RAM". Well you'd be a complete moron
> >> for doing so - a 9800 Pro will beat the pants off a 9600 in 3DMark -
> >> the amount of RAM is irrelevant (almost).
> >>
> >> Oh and I don't know what you mean by "256MB or above" - there is no
> >> such thing as "above" - 256MB is the most you're going to get. nVidia
> >> claim that the GeForce 7 series (with 512MB) will be released third
> >> quarter, but I wouldn't hold them to it... I'd expect a Christmas
> >> release.
> >
> > Yay. A flame from the lady with a her panties in a knot. Actually, when
> > faced with two choices for cards I buy the one that's most recommended
by
> > my peers and fits my budget. While this makes me no less an idiot it
does
> > make me happy with the hardware that I get. As for their not being
> > anything in a higher range than 256 MB you're sorely mistaken as has
been
> > pointed out to you already. I, it seem, tend to look in search engines
> > prior to posting. I do, however, feel honored to be flamed by you.
> >
> > Tick eh? Isn't that from a Terry Pratchett novel? Namely a kids novel?
In
> > the juvenile fantasy genre? Need I say more?
> >
> > *plonk*
> >
> > Galen
> > --
> > Signature changed for as a moment of silence.
> > Rest well Alex and we'll see you on the other side.
> >
>
>

 

[Charlie]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Nicely said Galen.
"Galen" <galennews@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:Ost3r%23YJFHA.2852@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> In news:O9NXd.6719$p93.657@fe06.highwinds-media.phx,
> Miss Perspicacia Tick <noone@here.com> had this to say:
>
>> You are an idiot. Graphics is dependant on far more than just the
>> graphics card.Try sticking an X800XT Pro PE in a machine with a P2
>> and a 1x/2x AGP slot and and identical card in another system with an
>> Athlon FX-55. Then try running 3DMark. If a high FPS was purely down
>> to the graphics card, then the scores should be more or less
>> identical.
>> Oh and there's more to what makes a good graphics card than just VRAM.
>> You're probably one of those people who, if faced with two graphics
>> cards - say a 9800 Pro with 128MB and a 9600 with 256 would choose
>> the 9600 "because it has more RAM". Well you'd be a complete moron
>> for doing so - a 9800 Pro will beat the pants off a 9600 in 3DMark -
>> the amount of RAM is irrelevant (almost).
>>
>> Oh and I don't know what you mean by "256MB or above" - there is no
>> such thing as "above" - 256MB is the most you're going to get. nVidia
>> claim that the GeForce 7 series (with 512MB) will be released third
>> quarter, but I wouldn't hold them to it... I'd expect a Christmas
>> release.
>
> Yay. A flame from the lady with a her panties in a knot. Actually, when
> faced with two choices for cards I buy the one that's most recommended by
> my peers and fits my budget. While this makes me no less an idiot it does
> make me happy with the hardware that I get. As for their not being
> anything in a higher range than 256 MB you're sorely mistaken as has been
> pointed out to you already. I, it seem, tend to look in search engines
> prior to posting. I do, however, feel honored to be flamed by you.
>
> Tick eh? Isn't that from a Terry Pratchett novel? Namely a kids novel? In
> the juvenile fantasy genre? Need I say more?
>
> *plonk*
>
> Galen
> --
> Signature changed for as a moment of silence.
> Rest well Alex and we'll see you on the other side.
>

 

[galen]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

In news:xzsYd.12323$4k2.9059@fe2.columbus.rr.com,
Charlie <Charlie@nowhere.com> had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

> Nicely said Galen.

Thank you. I try to not feed the trolls but once in a while I just can't
help myself. Fortunately there's killfiles and ignore methods that are
fairly effective. It's sad because I've seen them give good answers in the
past. Gainward has a 512 MB card that's soon out or even already out just
for the record. Also, at no point in my post did I infer that the FPS was
totaly dependant on the VRAM... I believe my response clearly said "in some
aspects..." but that must have been ignored. No worries I suppose. I'm not
bothered by it, I was actually honored by it. It's nice to get a good flame
once in a while and to have someone remind me that I'm an idiot. After all
I've never denied being one.

Galen
--
Signature changed for a moment of silence.
Rest well Alex and we'll see you on the other side.