8GB vs 16GB for a gaming build

no_1_dave · 23 Oct 2014 at 12:49

I currently have 12GB but am still undecided on a few aspects of my new build.

It is a i7 4790k and will be used primarily for gaming.
I don't use photoshop etc

If I use 8GB I can just use 2 sticks of my current triple channel ram, however 8GB would feel like a downgrade
I don't like using a page file, mine's been off with no issues for the best part of 2 years
When gaming I like to be able to tab out whenever I like without any lag or stutter etc

If I get 16GB it'll cost me an extra £130

So, 8GB or 16GB for my new build? :confused:

DaleTheWhale · 23 Oct 2014 at 12:50

8GB, 16GB has no benefit.

snips86x · 23 Oct 2014 at 12:50

ThaReaperGuy said:
8GB, 16GB has no benefit.

You say that, but running BF3 I've got 7.5GB in usage!

DaleTheWhale · 23 Oct 2014 at 12:53

snips86x said:
You say that, but running BF3 I've got 7.5GB in usage!

There's an issue with that runs the memory up to huge spikes and then starts using the page file causing slow downs, I was having this issue on my GF's PC, there's a fix of some sort to stop it from getting so high as it shouldn't be (can't remember what it is).

I remember searching for 'BF4 memory leaking' or there abouts.

Most games won't use more than 2GB-3GB unless it's terribly coded.

zakblood · 23 Oct 2014 at 13:34

a 64 bit O/S won't use what it hasn't got, a 64bit programmed game uses the same theory

"terribly coded" LOL

some games now use 4gb textures for graphics so not quite shore tbh which games you play, low end maybe?

there's plenty that use more if you have it, same as video, but if you don't it won't...

same goes for AV and spyware scanning, runs twice as quick if you have more memory if you get the right 64bit program, i could go on, but i won't as i left for silly comments b4.

i5 is better than i7
8gb is the most memory you will ever need bla bla bla
AMD are poor at cpu and video cards etc etc

sorry don't agree, there's plenty of games that will use more, and as the O/S could be different it's hard to fully say one way or the other.

a 32bit o/s then yes, 8gb is over kill as it can't see it or use it...

a 64bit is different, but then again what do i know, google M/S and games, most games are programmed in 32bit only versions so will never go over your limits, some aren't...
so one rules doesn't fit everything and never will, the games are changing and more are being made and altered to use 64bit instructions... or even fully written for 64 bit then also have a 32bit version coded as well, so does both

David Bisset · 23 Oct 2014 at 14:20

8GB is fine. While, as zak observes, there could be in theory situations where more would give noticeable gains they are likely to be few, and not worth the opportunity costs:
* could have invested the extra money elsewhere in the system for a larger performance gain
* could have got faster RAM with better timings as 16GB kits don't quite match 8GB
* could have overclocked your system more etc. The difference from 8GB to 16GB on the IMC isn't large, but is still harder to run at speed.

How long this will remain true for is anyones guess. Given the proportion of gaming machines still at or below 4GB is massive I suspect it'll mostly remain true for quite a few years yet, but with a gradually rising number of exceptions. When those exceptions become significant to you I dunno!