Memory question

[TheCrowe14]

I've decided to build a new computer this summer. I haven't decided much other than that I want one of the dual-core intel processors and at least an 8800GTS video card (possibly something better depending how much prices go down between now and this summer), and that I'll be using Vista. Anyways, I've decided on 2 gigs of ram. I have one stick of this in my computer now:

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820141187

I'm considering pulling it out to use with my new compter (when I build it), in addition to buying one more stick. Originally I was going to buy 2 gigs of faster RAM, but most 2gb sets on newegg cost around $200, so I can save about $130 this way.

My question is, how much of a difference would some faster RAM (for example, some PC2 6400) make? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a processor and video card only to find out that my RAM is holding my computer back. Would the RAM linked above work well in a heavy gaming computer?

 

[Mattyl110792]

That RAM is quite fast, and if you plan on running in Dual Channel thats even better...But when you say you are going to buy a top of the line Intel CPU and an 8800 card, you really deserve the faster RAM, i suggest just buying some DDR-800 (I think thats 6400) RAM...even if you can only afford 1gb now, you can always upgrade to another gig when you can. I have DDR533 in my machine and it is the biggest mistake i ever made, i should have got AT LEAST DDR 667 or DDR800

Matt

 

[v0lten]

Two gigs of the RAM in your computer now would probably be okay for any game out. Coupled with a nice Core 2 Duo and an 8800GTS it would rock any game out. As far as games that are coming out, like Crysis, which is going to be extremly graphically awesome, that ram would be the soft spot of your computer. I just built my computer now and I paid $164 for 2 gigs of XMS Corsair Dual Channel PC6400. Its actually $204 with a $40 mail in rebate, but, mail in rebates are just cash that you get in a few weeks . I would definatley not want to go cheap on the 3rd most important part of a computer build.

Right now I have an E6600 2.4@3.0, 8800GTS 640mb, 2 gigs of that XMS ram, and a 600w Power supply and the game I play is Battelfield 2142. With every setting maxed out, my FPS doesnt drop below 90. And Im also running Vista with Direct X 10... (not really sure if that is helping me at all with 2142, doubt it).


Just thinking about it, now I want to go buy another 2 gigs of that XMS



Heres a few links for you of some decent 2gigs
$170 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141064 (Cheapest)
$174(after rebate) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227139 (Best timings of these RAMs listed)
$166(after rebate) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590 (The RAM I have, and most popular of the 3)