Originally posted by: flipkc
Why do I bother posting this when I don't even get an informed answer...I have a budget...I don't have a lot of money.
Just in case you haven't already given up on this thread, I'll give you a useful response:
The RAM you get should be determined both by what you plan on doing with your PC and by the budget you have. Newegg has a basic module of CAS 2.5 PC3200 DDR SDRAM at $42.32 for 512 MB --
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820208131 -- while 1 GB goes for $80.32 --
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820237111 -- That means that, on a low end budget, you're spending $38 for the extra memory. The question then becomes: How else can you spend the $38, and will it do more or less for your system performance than extra RAM?
Socket 754 CPU (with cooler) prices at Newegg are as follows:
$75 Sempron 2600+
$98 Sempron 3000+
$108 Sempron 3100+
$138 Athlon 64 2800+
$147 Athlon 64 3000+
$190 Athlon 64 3400+
$279 Athlon 64 3700+
As you can see, only when you reach the Athlon 64 3400+ does it really become beneficial to get the extra memory. For example, it seems clear to me that an Athlon 64 3000+ with 1 GB RAM would fall well short in performance to an Athlon 64 3400+ and 512 MB RAM. The same can be said of a Sempron 3100+ and 1 GB compared to an Athlon 64 3000+ and 512 MB.
When you get higher up the totem pole, to the 3400+ and beyond, 1 GB becomes more attractive. But until you reach that level, I'd say go with the 512 MB.