How much RAM is enough

[x51out]

Actually, that is a stupid question formulated like that. It should read: To play todays, current games, and not do any video editing or have 20 apps running simultaneously. Is 512 mb DDR going to cover it? Or is it worth upping it to 1024 mb?
Let's assume this average setup:
Win XP Homeslice Edition
XP2000+
GF4Ti4200-128mb
Audigy 2
WD1200JB
ShuttleAk31v2.0 Mobo KT266
512 mb OR 1024 mb ??? That is the Question.

[the xenon]

512 should be fine
but 1 GB is always better if you want 20 apps + playing a game at the same time :p

[x51out]

I've noticed that whilst not actually playing, say BF1942, but having the game loaded and ready to go and minimized, the free RAM is at 40 mb (per Cacheman). So, it would then be plausible than when actually playing the game full-blast, that the amount of free RAM should drop to zero and all RAM requirements after that are then covered by the SWAPFILE, which it does anyway, but even more so if the amount of FREE RAM is so low. Sure, there are other variables such as CPU, CPU Cache, GPU and Graphics card RAM, but since a loaded game really does eat up a HUGE portion of system RAM, obviously paging the rest of the RAM requirements to the harddrive is NOT good for performance. Then increasing system RAM to say 1024 mb would then increase free RAM, or increase the amount of RAM available to the game so the SWAPFILE would then only have to hold game code and not be used too much, if at all, as RAM for the game. Does that make any sense?? :D Therefore, I wonder if adding another 512 mb would increase performance, or is there a ceiling at all for the amount of RAM. Is there such a thing as ENOUGH RAM?!

[Ammok]

I got 512mb as well and I don't have too many problems. If the price was right I would get two 512mb sticks and I think that would keep me happy for a year or so.

If someone was stupid enough to give them away real dirt cheap, Then I would have three sticks.

[Logan2002]

I do not have ddr I have pc133

I have 1.25 gigs

2 512 sticks

and 1 256 stick.

It is really nice. And bf 1942 eats up about 380-400mb of ram so I still have about 300 mbs free. I have turned of the pf.

[tony_j15]

MS XP
Shuttle AK-31 rev3.1
256 DDR

Everything runs fine for me, but Im not running 20+apps.

[Kerepla]

GIG... just because its a gig and it will be enough for sure...

[x51out]

Hmm, thanx for the replies, although I'm no smarter now than before. Obviously, when it comes to RAM (in WinXP), for gaming, I'd think the more the better. It should also cease alot of Swapfile usage, which is a real drag on performance. Later, dudes.

[killer_teddy]

As much as you can afford.
The more the merrier.:D

[_Mystical_Night]

512mb is good for most average users

but

if you have windows XP and like to play games , have lots of mp3's , lots of stuff open

1 Gig is always nicer :x :x :x