Need OS & RAM help! | Forums

[BrewsterPilot]

Ok, quick questions.
Both XP and Vista 32-bit editions will only support 4GB RAM, correct?
But the 64-bit editions will support far more? XP Professional 64-bit, will that one support, say 8GB of RAM? What about Vista Ultimate 64-bit?

I'm using the Acer Aspire E700-UQ660A Minitower, with default hardware.
In short, that's :
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 2.4GHz with Viiv Technlology
System Chipset: Intel G965 Express
RAM: 2GB
HD: 500GB
Graphics Card: Ati Radeon X1650
OS: Vista Home Premium

Would the hardware allow more than 4GB of RAM to be installed?
Would it help at all, having "only" a 2.4GHz processor?
Will a 64-bit OS work on this computer?

To summarize, what I'd like to do is:

1. Add more RAM, at least to 4GB but if hardware & OS allow, maybe more for BoB (8GB maybe? :-)

2. Switch back to XP, I don't like Vista to be honest. If XP Professional 64-bit supports >4GB of RAM, and the hardware also would, that'd be the best thing.

Sorry for the quick post, but I'm on a library computer as my new internet connection hasn't "arrived" yet.

If you need some more info, I'll try to reply later today or early tomorrow USA time.


Thanks a million in beforehand to anyone taking the challenge to decode the above gibberish!!!

Best Regards,
BP

[PF_Coastie]

You really do not need 4gb of ram unless you are doing CAD or really intensive 3D graphics. Your 2gb is plenty for gaming.

Switching back to XP is your best option IMO.

Also, if you want better game performance, you need to upgrade your video card. That video card is the weakest link in your system.....by far.

[B16Enk]

Wot Coastie said.

I would also add stick with 32 bit too, it only has benefit when you want to use >4Gb RAM and driver support is very patchy for XP 64.

Money that would otherwise be spent on OS and additional RAM will give greater benefit when used to upgrade GPU.

[foxyboy1964]

Like Coastie said, go back to XP.

Just one minor point, XP 32bit doesn't really support 4Gb RAM. You can install 4Gb, but XP will only "see" 3.25 Gb (or there abouts). So, again like Coastie said, you'd be better off spending your money on a graphics card. Personally I think your rig sounds quite good as it is. But then again, I'm famous for my reluctance to part with cash.

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

You can do 4gigs on either of the 64bit os's, xp or vista. The question remains, why? Like coastie said there is not much advantage to more than 2gigs unless you are doing CAD or high end computer animation or such. 8Gigs would be rediculus at this point in time, maybe a few years down the road, but not anytime soon.

[BrewsterPilot]

OK, thanks for the replies!
Why I'm wondering about the extreme amounts of RAM is because I'll be using this computer for at least four to five years, and I'm quite sure that 8GB of RAM won't be quite as extreme then as it is now. I'm merely planning the best way to keep the computer so up-to-date as possible.

So, what I've been planning reading your replies is;

1. New Power Supply, 300W won't do upgrades IMO... How strong d'ya reckon would be needed? 430W maybe? I could get a trustable-brand 430W damn cheap...
2. New graphics card, NEED SUGGESTIONS! Budget around $250, it has to be as good as possible for the money. Gonna have it a looong time... (PCI-E x16)
3. Get 1-2 x 1GB RAM sticks.
4. Switch back to XP. (Home Edition 32-bit)

Anything I've forgotten?

Thanks to you all for replying! I really appreciate it!

BrewsterPilot

[foxyboy1964]

When choosing a Power Supply (PSU) the most important thing for a gamer is the Amps on the 12 Volt rail. The 430W PSU you are looking at may well be cheap because it doesn't measure up in the Amps department. For a PCI-E card you should be looking for something with 30/35 Amps at least.

I have a 470W PC Power and Cooling PSU which has 26 Amps @ 12 V rail. When I move to PCI-E I will also upgrade my PSU. Dont let the Wattage fool you.

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

If you are looking to make this last a long time go ahead and get the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad Crossfire, it's an excellent psu with all the connectors you would need for a good long time (I say the crossfire edition cause it has two 8pin pci-e connectors). I'm planning on getting 4gigs and vista 64bit when I build my new machine for the exact reason of futureproofing, just be aware that in the meantime it will be pure e-***** and not usefull at all. In fact the headaches of 64bit would lead me not to recommend it to anyone who's not a supergeek and loves that kind of trouble, lol.

[BrewsterPilot]

This vid card OK?
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...808-DT&cat=VCD

Any other suggestions?

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

Yikes, for that price you can get a much better card, try this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130086

or for a little more this would be really good: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082