Norden_x,

I think you mean the page file, as virtual memory is defined as all physical memory (RAM + page file) available to the OS.

I think that not using the page file as much with 1024MB of memory has a much larger effect than the jump from single- to dual-channel does. There is clearly less hard drive activity with 1024MB.

My current system is a 3.0GHz P4 (OCd to 3.3GHz for now) with 2x256MB DDR400, CAS latency 2.5. I want to upgrade but don't really know how much I'd gain from going to 1.5GB or 2GB as opposed to just adding 2x256MB. Crucial shows these upgrades:

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.aspx?id=81D92C4F31D926C3&tabid=&pagename=


I'm planning on flying some sims on this PC, most likely Falcon 4.0 and Jane's F15. I know my current configuration is fine for F15, but would 4x256MB and a 128MB GeForce 5200FX be enough for F4?

Memory is cheap now, just as well get a 2x512MB kit.

F4 isnt very demanding on hardware so 1GB total should be enough. In the webshops i buy hardware from 2x256 is higher price per MB.

Your GPU is more more of a limiting factor than your memory if you have an FX5200.

Yeah, I'm thinking of hitting eBay for an AGP X850XT or something similar. I don't want to dump much more than $100 or so into it because I'm planning on starting to gather parts for a new build soon.

SO here's an interesting article about RAM and the 4gb barrier. Pretty cool.


http://www.dansdata.com/askdan00015.htm

I am currently Building a new computer with slightly older components like the PIV 570j CPU and a Geforce 7950GT PCIe. The reason, I use the 3D glasses and the newer cpus and vid cards are Not supported with the new drivers and the old ones dont work. Bummer but nVidia is to be working on compatible Drivers. But luckily the board I am getting is compatible with the newer CPU's up to 1333FSB well when they come out anyhow

I have bought 2 gb memory as I have dual Channel capable Mobo, I mostly Fly the Older Sims like F4:AF-OF JF/A-18 LOMAC 1.12 TAW. Would getting 1 more gig do anything. I also have Doom3 and Quake 4 that I will Probally be replaying but as for the newer FPS's I have No interest. I dont see any newer Demanding Flight sims coming anytime soon except maybe BlackShark or what ever they are calling it these days!!

2GB will be fine.

Well the 2GB Worked rather Well. I ended up buying Oblivion and GTR2 they seem to use alot of RAM and It works rather well even on an older parts computer. well the really old part is the Geforce 7950GT and Audigy 2 zs but they are holding up rather well. Even using the Older Drives.

I do Alot of 3D gaming with EDimensionals 3D Glasses and I know doing 3D Needs Alot of memory as it does a double image and the textures are twice that than a single image. I wonder IF I would Benefit from 4GB Memory as I do 3D Gaming would the added memory be more effective for 3D Stereo??

Note the Note:













I also was reading about Virtual memory at Microsoft here is the Link. I did setup the Virtual memory as they described but How would I tell if it actually is working or effective??



http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314482/EN-US/

It's not that you really need four gigs for what you stated, but if you can invest in it cheaply then I would go with it. It would benefit you if you plan to run newer 3d software/games and if you have an x64 OS or if you have Vista. 4GB would help in the following was:

1) In the newest software (like Crysis), it would *significantly* cut down on load time.
2) Changes in average FPS would be little to nil, but you would also see a significant rise in minimum FPS.
3) As a general rule, you want to use the same kind of memory modules. If you upgrade now you can get the same ones. If you wait until later, your current ones might be out of stock and you may have to mix and match -- which from my experience, can cause problems.

Ways that 4GB might not help

1) You may not be able to overclock your memory as much
2) If you use 4 sticks, your memory has less breathing space and can get very hot.
3) Unless you plan to run the most cutting edge software, 4GB will not help you all that much