Will 4GB (RAM) improve the following system?

l_r_c_t

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Apr 8, 2009
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Hello Everybody:

A friend of mine asked me whether upgrading his system (which it's details are listed below) with 4GB of Ram will significantly improve his daily usage and gaming.

As you can see in the specs, there are already 4GB installed. Please comment also on the bottleneck that can be caused in other components on the motherboard.

The considered component is the "KINGSTON 4GB DDR3 1333MHZ KVR1333D3N9/4G".

The specifications of this system are:

Motherboard:
CPU Type DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo E7200, 2533 MHz (9.5 x 267)
Motherboard Name Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L (2 PCI, 4 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR2 DIMM, Audio, Gigabit LAN)
Motherboard Chipset Intel Eaglelake P43
System Memory 3328 MB (DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM)
DIMM3: G Skill F2-6400CL5-2GBPQ 2 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-15 @ 400 MHz) (4-4-4-10 @ 266 MHz)
DIMM4: G Skill F2-6400CL5-2GBPQ 2 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-15 @ 400 MHz) (4-4-4-10 @ 266 MHz)
BIOS Type Award Modular (08/18/08)

Display:
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT (256 MB)

Storage:
Disk Drive WD My Book 1111 USB Device (930 GB, USB)
Disk Drive WDC WD3200AAKS-00B3A0 ATA Device (320 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA-II)
Optical Drive WD Virtual CD 1111 USB Device


Notice that the upgrade's cost is at around 25$. It's an insignificant expense, but I would still appreciate any response.

Another question by the way, what graphic card would you recommend for this system? (under a budget of 150-200)

Thank you.
 

knightdog56

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Mar 29, 2008
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Depends on what operating system you are using 32/bit or 64/bit. On the video card question I need to know the make and model of your power supply. With that processor you are kind of fighting an uphill battle. The memory upgrade, if you are using a 64/bit operaing system is the best bet. If you had a core 2 quad 9450 or above things would be different.
 

l_r_c_t

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Apr 8, 2009
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Operating system - 32 bit (Windows 7), I conclude from your reply that there will be no improvement.

The PSU provides 500 watts. (Sorry for the lack of manufacturer and model)

Yes, the processor was in mid range already when bought... Of course that things would be different with a better processor, but this kind of upgrade is too expensive.