asdfdfdfdfdfdf
@Level3.net
| reply to Duchess44
Re: Looking to upgrade memory and possibly video card
I don't think there is that much disagreement in the thread you linked to.
Longstreet isn't arguing that you can't run 4GB with a 32 bit OS but only that there will be some waste. This is true but the difference in cost between putting 3GB and 4GB is pretty small and you will keep things dual channel if you run 4 sticks.
As to having to replace all the sticks: There is some small chance of finicky incompatibilities, especially if one is running exotic high performance ram. These are standard boring sticks, however, which is what you should be buying and I think the chance of a problem is pretty small. Can I assure you 100%. No, but I can't assure you 100% that one of the new sticks won't be bad or that you might not still have some kind of problem. I can only say the probability of problems is small if you add ram like you are considering to what is already there.
If you are going to place two separate orders anyway (in the other thread you mentioned dealing with the memory first) then I would deal with the graphics card 1st. You may find you don't need to add ram at all. Your graphics card is the most likely source of significant performance problems and is by far the weakest link in your system.
A 4850 was my first thought if wow was your only concern.
Here are two less expensive options, one is 512MB the other 1GB. The 512 should be fine.
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···14127414
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···14161275
You specified a pretty large budget but if money is actually tight and you would prefer to minimize cost we can even discuss a 4670 which can be had for as little as $60. A 4850 is probably more than you need but it does have significantly better performance so I would go that way if money isn't that tight.
No you don't need a new power supply. A 350 dell supply should be able to handle a midrange card like the 4850.
"Also, I did have a discussion about this with another computer I had..an HP Pavilion. But that was quite a while ago..year at least."
That is probably what I'm thinking of. If you have played wow on that and are satisfied can you tell us the amount of ram and graphics card in that machine(if it isn't too much trouble) just so we have a frame of reference and some idea of your expectations. |
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Duchess44
Premium
join:2001-10-24
Chattanooga, TN
 ·Comcast
1 edit | Ummm...if I remember correctly it was an Nvidia Geforce 8300GS.
The ram was upgraded as was the graphics card and psu (I had a 500w in that machine, shoulda kept it lol). It was I believe 2gig. Not much but I didn't need it back when WoW only had the 1st xpac out.
I'm really liking the 4850. Seems I 've heard about it from the WoW forums. Looks like a very nice card. However, like you said, if WoW is the only thing I am doing, I really see no need for the "top of the line".
Also, if you are sure that I won't need to upgrade to Vista 64 bit in order to get 4gig of ram, then I guess it couldn't hurt to do it. |
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howie
Premium,MVM
join:2003-04-08
Little Falls, NJ
2 edits | said by Duchess44  :Also, if you are sure that I won't need to upgrade to Vista 64 bit in order to get 4gig of ram, then I guess it couldn't hurt to do it. LOL... some people over there in the other forum are confusing you. It is perfectly fine to install 2-2GB sticks (4GB total) in your Vista 32 bit OS. I have 2-2GB modules (Vista Ultimate 32-bit) and am running in dual-channel mode (see above). For under $50, you'll be all set. Forget the 3GB, single channel mode idea. It's a bad one! 
[EDIT] I see you want to add 2-1GB sticks. I personally wouldn't mix different RAM modules, but as stated, you may be fine. If your motherboard supports 2GB modules, I'd just add two of those and keep your existing sticks as spares.... But that's just me...  |
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signmeuptoo
Folding and Crunching Not just Breakfast
Premium
join:2001-11-22
LOSTinSpace
clubs:  | I concur FWIW. |
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