Will I notice a difference - RAM?

[Pooky]

At the moment I have 4x DDR2-800 512mb Ram modules.
If I replace them with 4 x DDR2-800 1gb modules, will I notice a speed increase?

 

[cerebus]

absolutely.

 

[bwana]

I suspect not.

 

[PC Direct]

Yup, doubling Ram up always makes a difference!

 

[Pooky]

absolutely.

I suspect not.

Hmmm this is the thing I was not hoping for.

 

[PC Direct]

It depends on what difference you're hoping for?

Games will load quicker. You'll be able to run more apps simultaneously and switch between them quicker. Windows Explorer will be smoother too.

You wont notice it in games, while playing. But if you're running a game, photoshop, 5 x IM's programs and a host of others - then moving between them, and running them all together wont be that much of an issue. Should be quicker

 

[Pooky]

Cool I don't play games that much anymore so will my programs load faster and be more responsive?

 

[PC Direct]

Yes, load times will increase, and if you're running a few programs together at the same time switching between them will be quicker.

Try clicking the 'Show Desktop' button with 4Gigs of ram compared to 2GB with a LOT of apps and windows open.

If it's faster, then it's working

 

[cerebus]

Man...I went from 2-3gb and I noticed a difference immediately. Then I went from 3-4 and I also noticed the difference. More ram is always better. As an example when I upped to 3gb, Alt+f4 on a game made the main screen load up immediately without a minute or so of slowdown like it used to.

 

[killadoob]

Well if your pc is not ever using more than 2gb memory it won't make a difference if you ask me.

If your running xp you won't notice a difference for everyday use, obviously if your using pc for high end graphics design and gaming then yes of course it will

 

[chickenbeef]

it will definitely make a difference, 2GB of RAM is entry level these days

 

[Chevron]

Yes, you will notice a difference.

 

[dudewotevr]

Hmmm this is the thing I was not hoping for.

Some people notice it and some don't (re: 2 - 4GB) The thing is that the difference is not massive on XP, ..however on Vista I believe it's much more so.

 

[charlie_82]

I reckon you'll see a difference. Providing you're running a 64-bit OS tho... or else not all that ram will be picked up

 

[Pooky]

I reckon you'll see a difference. Providing you're running a 64-bit OS tho... or else not all that ram will be picked up

I'm on 32 bit Vista and it says I have 3.5gigs, is this normal?

 

[Darshur]

It will improve speed thats for sure!

 

[Brawler]

Yes it is normal pooky. Get a 64bit os, its a lot faster.
If you can't afford one download windows 7 rc1 64bit and see for yourself.

 

[ponder]

I'm on 32 bit Vista and it says I have 3.5gigs, is this normal?

Yes.

 

[Pooky]

Can I upgrade 32bit to 64 or do you have to buy it again?

 

[Brawler]

Can I upgrade 32bit to 64 or do you have to buy it again?

You will need to format you machine.

If its Vista the 32bit/64bit product keys work on either... just need to get hold of a disk.