Deuce Deuce Posted May 26, 2008 Share Posted May 26, 2008 So tomorrow afternoon or thereabouts I should be getting a new PC which I will be using as a gaming system. It's been past its time for a few years, but it's certainly a step up from my current PC and that's enough for me. Anyway, I don't know the full list of specs, but here's what I do know: • AMD Athlon XP 3700+ • 2.21 GHz • Windows XP OS • 1GB DDR2 RAM • Video card: ATI Radeon X1800 XT How would you rate that setup/card and also how well do you think it would run Oblivion? I ask this because Oblivion is the first game on my list to try out and I've been meaning to get it for ages anyway. Last thing. Do you think it's worth buying another 1GB stick of RAM? I mean, would it make a noticeable enough difference? Cheers for any input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddy Posted May 26, 2008 Share Posted May 26, 2008 This should be accurate enough to see if your PC will run certain games, Mike. Clitheth here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star-Lord Posted May 26, 2008 Share Posted May 26, 2008 So tomorrow afternoon or thereabouts I should be getting a new PC which I will be using as a gaming system. It's been past its time for a few years, but it's certainly a step up from my current PC and that's enough for me. Anyway, I don't know the full list of specs, but here's what I do know: � AMD Athlon XP 3700+ � 2.21 GHz � Windows XP OS � 1GB DDR2 RAM � Video card: ATI Radeon X1800 XT How would you rate that setup/card and also how well do you think it would run Oblivion? I ask this because Oblivion is the first game on my list to try out and I've been meaning to get it for ages anyway. Last thing. Do you think it's worth buying another 1GB stick of RAM? I mean, would it make a noticeable enough difference? Cheers for any input. You should be able to play it with those specs, Sure get another gig of ram more ram is always better makes everything run smoother it will give your PC a boost in all areas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajjg123 Posted May 26, 2008 Share Posted May 26, 2008 I would personally get the extra gig of ram. It depends on what kind of RAM you're getting though. High quality ram is great. You can settle for lower quality on certain things but RAM is not one that I would skimp on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 26, 2008 Author Share Posted May 26, 2008 This should be accurate enough to see if your PC will run certain games, Mike. Clitheth here. As I say, I won't be getting my new system until tomorrow, so I won't be able to check until then. But that link will come in handy for sure, Waddy. I guess I'll get another stick of RAM then. Can anyone recommend any not-too-costly RAM for the PC? I don't know what would be compatible with the system and if you'd be able to tell based on the specs I've given. I'll wait until I know the full details of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otter Posted May 26, 2008 Share Posted May 26, 2008 It's best to get a pair in one go, dude. So, either get another stick of the same stuff you've already got, or trade it up right away to some OCZ or Patriot dual channel stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 26, 2008 Author Share Posted May 26, 2008 It's best to get a pair in one go, dude. So, either get another stick of the same stuff you've already got, or trade it up right away to some OCZ or Patriot dual channel stuff. I'll get another 1GB of the same RAM then; buying the dual channel kits would kill my budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 27, 2008 Author Share Posted May 27, 2008 Sorry for the double post guys. I haven't yet got the PC, but I just connected a better monitor that I haven't used in a while (it's a Dell M992 CRT) and I'm having a problem. It's really burry when in any resolution greater than 1024x768 (though it still looks slightly blurry even in 1024x768). The text especially is pretty hard to read. I've tried using 1024x768 while changing the DPI settings, tried different refresh rates in different resolutions. I'm stuck for ideas unless the monitor is on its way out? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anus Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 The monitor is most likely dying. How old is it? Try degaussing it, might fix it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picolini Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 (edited) If you're running Windows Vista (as most new store bought computers are) I would really recommend the extra gig of RAM. I've got 2GB and it hits over 1GB all the time, and high load times (like start up) it can reach into the 1.7's+. To find out what RAM you have we need the PC's model number (eg a Gateway GT750, or something like that). That way we could look up the manual online, and they sometimes say what kind of RAM the PC has. If it's 1gb right now, chances are it's 2 512mb sticks. If I remember right, RAM needs to be in ordered pairs to run together properly, so you might need to get 2 512's as well. Or you could just get some Corsair ValueSelect RAM, 2 GB's for like $50 (usd) and removed the old RAM. I've got that, and it works just fine for me. I know you're in the UK, but if you guys have Best Buys over there, you might want to look into this computer, unless the one you're getting is cheaper. It's $750 USD (about 475 Euros) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1204331848110 The only thing it's lacking is a proper graphics card, but it has a 350W PSU (looked up the PC's manual online), so it can handle some decent lower end GPU's like an 8600GT (which can be had for as little as $80, cheaper if you look around more, just make sure you get the DDR3 version). Edited May 27, 2008 by Picolini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 28, 2008 Author Share Posted May 28, 2008 I know that Vista requires more RAM for it it to be able to run smoothly, but I'm using XP. It wasn't store bought. I bought the whole lot (including the case) from a friend who got an upgrade. So as you can probably guess, I got it for a decent price. If I remember correctly, the RAM is paired in 2 512MB sticks. But I'm not sure how many extra slots I have free, so I may be forced to just buy 2GB's (2 x 1GB sticks?) and rid of my old RAM. While we're on the subject, do I need to look for a specific type, or will any kind work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picolini Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I know that Vista requires more RAM for it it to be able to run smoothly, but I'm using XP. While we're on the subject, do I need to look for a specific type, or will any kind work? Alright, well I would assume 1GB should work fine. I couldn't tell you though, I'm running Vista. To figure out what kind of RAM you need you'll need to know what MoBo you have. Most I find can hold 4 sticks, and most can handle at least 4GB total (1gb per slot) some up to 8gb. But that's not what you're looking for so it doesn't really matter. Your RAM with be either DDR, DDR2, or (very unlikely) DDR3. It will also be rated by it's clock frequency, which will be something like 800, 1000, 1066, 1150, 1200, etc etc. Some high number like that. Chances are it's at least DDR2 800, which is what I think I have. I find it works well, and as I said I've got 2 1GB ValueSelect by Corsair, which can be had for less than $50 USD, not much at all. Bottom line: To find out what kind of RAM you need, you can check your mobo or tell us what the current RAM type is. Although the RAM might be a lower clock speed than the mobo is capable of, so it'd be best to find out what mobo you have exactly, since you might be able to get better ram for a decent price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anus Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I highly recommend you going with atleast 2GB of RAM, even if its XP. 1GB was the standard a long time ago, now 2Gb is the standard for a good PC and 4GB is becoming the standard. Like Picolini said, give us the motherboard brand and model and we'll tell you what RAM you should get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 29, 2008 Author Share Posted May 29, 2008 Going directly by my drivers CD: ASUS A8N-E motherboard A quick download of CPU-Z gave me specifics for my RAM. Type: DDR, Channels: Dual Size: 1024 MBytes Timings DRAM Frequency: 201.0 MHz FSB:DRAM - CPU/11 CAS# Latency - 2.0 clocks RAS# to CAS# Delay - 3 clocks RAS# Precharge - 3 clocks Cycle Time - 6 clocks Bank Cycle Time - 11 clocks Command Rate - 2T DRAM Idle Timer - 16 clocks I was fairly certain it was DDR2, guess not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmSixTeen Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 4GB is becoming the standard. No it's not. Want to know why? The RAM on your graphics card counts as part of the maximum 4GB, and depending on your card, this means you lose out on the RAM you've paid for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anus Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 (edited) 4GB is becoming the standard. No it's not. Want to know why? The RAM on your graphics card counts as part of the maximum 4GB, and depending on your card, this means you lose out on the RAM you've paid for. It IS becoming the standard because 64 Bit operating systems will obviously succeed 32 Bit ones in the not too distant future. And as you probably know, 64 Bit operating systems aren't restricted to the 4GB limit. And it is quite a wise decision to get a 64 Bit operating system because of the very valuable advantages over 32 Bit ones. Edit: @Deuce, Since it's DDR, go with two 1GB sticks of DDR400 PC3200 RAM. I recommend Corsair, Crucial or Kingston, with Kingston being my favourite . Edited May 29, 2008 by Warlord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 29, 2008 Author Share Posted May 29, 2008 @Deuce, Since it's DDR, go with two 1GB sticks of DDR400 PC3200 RAM. I recommend Corsair, Crucial or Kingston, with Kingston being my favourite . I've decided to keep the RAM I already have (G.Skill ZX) and get another pair of 512MB sticks. This'll do, won't it? http://www.ebuyer.com/product/114481 Being that I'm on a low budget I won't go out of my way and look for anything better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Democrab Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 @Deuce, Since it's DDR, go with two 1GB sticks of DDR400 PC3200 RAM. I recommend Corsair, Crucial or Kingston, with Kingston being my favourite . I've decided to keep the RAM I already have (G.Skill ZX) and get another pair of 512MB sticks. This'll do, won't it? http://www.ebuyer.com/product/114481 Being that I'm on a low budget I won't go out of my way and look for anything better. it should, but you don't really want to mix two different sticks of ram, it works, but it can cause stability problems. EmSixTeen: As warlord said, 4Gb of ram is almost the recommended to have for games now, I know people with 8Gb, and I know someone who's going to try for 16Gb when Nehalem comes out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 30, 2008 Author Share Posted May 30, 2008 @Deuce, Since it's DDR, go with two 1GB sticks of DDR400 PC3200 RAM. I recommend Corsair, Crucial or Kingston, with Kingston being my favourite . I've decided to keep the RAM I already have (G.Skill ZX) and get another pair of 512MB sticks. This'll do, won't it? http://www.ebuyer.com/product/114481 Being that I'm on a low budget I won't go out of my way and look for anything better. it should, but you don't really want to mix two different sticks of ram, it works, but it can cause stability problems. EmSixTeen: As warlord said, 4Gb of ram is almost the recommended to have for games now, I know people with 8Gb, and I know someone who's going to try for 16Gb when Nehalem comes out. In any case, doesn't XP have a limit to 2GB RAM? "Stability problems"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anus Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 32 bit operating systems (Windows XP 32 Bit) have the total amount of RAM you can have limited to 4GB not 2GB. That 4GB is with all the RAM a PC has, like a video card's RAM and the system's RAM. So, if you have 1GB of RAM and a 512MB video card, a 32 bit OS will detect the whole thing as 1.5GB. So yeah, you'll be fine going with 2GB of RAM with 32 bit XP. If you want to go beyond 4GB get a 64 bit OS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 30, 2008 Author Share Posted May 30, 2008 Ah, right, thanks for clearing that up. I can play CoD4 on 1280x1024 at medium settings with an OK-ish framerate. Would another 1GB of RAM sort it out? I have it in my head that more and more RAM won't make a big enough difference unless you upgrade some other things. I dunno. What's the deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kewfmwpj Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Ah, right, thanks for clearing that up. I can play CoD4 on 1280x1024 at medium settings with an OK-ish framerate. Would another 1GB of RAM sort it out? I have it in my head that more and more RAM won't make a big enough difference unless you upgrade some other things. I dunno. What's the deal? I would get another GB if I were you, I had a nearly identical system to you (running a 3600 with a geforce 7600) and were running around the same settings. I got a 4600 and another GB of RAM, with a 8800GT and now I can run all high at 1650x1050. RAM will increase performance all round for you and it's relatively cheap at the mo. So if I were you I would go for it. PS: What servers do you play on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 30, 2008 Author Share Posted May 30, 2008 Yeah, I'm definitely getting another 1GB. It's just a case of WHAT to get. Should I really invest in more of the same RAM I already have? Or would it not really matter if I'd got a different kind? PS: What servers do you play on? I haven't played online yet. What would you recommend once I do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kewfmwpj Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Not to sure on specifics, hardcore mode is a must (for me anyway. Hit me up when you get online though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anus Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Another 1GB of RAM would make a huge difference in performance. Its really not that good to pair different brands and models of RAM because of the aforementioned stability issues that could occur. So, either find out the EXACT brand and model of your RAM and buy more sticks of that OR buy some new 2x1GB sticks and put them in your PC. If you go with the second option, you can sell your old RAM and make some cash . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 30, 2008 Author Share Posted May 30, 2008 (edited) My RAM: 1Gb G.Skill ZX Series DDR PC3200 I've looked around for that and everywhere it's about the same price (£40/$80). Buying more of that would mean I can't get Oblivion. I wish I had my job back. I've heard it's fine to use two different kinds of RAM just so long as they're the same type obviously. What are the specifics on the "stability issues" if you were to use two different kinds? EDIT: Its really not that good to pair different brands and models of RAM You mean pairing different types of RAM? eg, one type of 512 & another type of 512 to pair as 1GB? I don't mean that. I mean having one pair of 512's to make 1GB, and another (different make) of two 512's to make another GB. Would that be OK? I spoke to a few people about it and they said it wouldn't matter, so long as I had a pair of the same kind to make up 1GB and a pair of something else to make up another GB. Could someone elaborate on this? Edited May 30, 2008 by Deuce Deuce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star-Lord Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 I've heard it's fine to use two different kinds of RAM just so long as they're the same type obviously. What are the specifics on the "stability issues" if you were to use two different kinds? Seriously Warlord speaks the truth, well about specifics well because when you mix memory types, brands or speeds on any high performance board, timing problems may significantly affect the stability, reliability and performance of the entire system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Deuce Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 Going by my RAM which is 1Gb (2 x 512MB) G.Skill ZX Series DDR PC3200, what would anyone recommend (type) for another 1GB (2 x 512MB), which would ensure that it would work on my PC? The motherboard model is ASUS A8N-E, if that helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anus Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Pairing the RAM like you stated would still cause problems. The issues that could occur were mentioned by PCGT. Timing problems are bound to happen if you pair different brands/models of RAM together. And like I said before, go for the type of RAM you already have. Get 2x512 MB sticks of G.Skill ZX Series DDR PC3200 OR get 2x1GB sticks of RAM straight away and sell your old RAM or something. The brands I recommend are Crucial, Corsair and Kingston, with Kingston being my personal favourite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picolini Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 You might be better going for 2 1GB sticks, depends on the cost and trouble of finding the exact same kind of what you already have. I would really recommend getting the 2GB though, as you have regular DDR RAM which is quite slower than DDR2 RAM, from what I've read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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