JironGhrad wrote...
Well, for one thing... RAM and video RAM don't stack and have virtually nothing to do with each other from a "This game requires x amount of RAM" standpoint.
From another the GTX 260 is a rebrand of an earlier version card (Gorath will know, but I think he said it was the same as the GeForce 8600) and it has plenty of on-board RAM but if it is the rebranded 8600 then it's not quite the recommended card listed on the back.
As for the rest, Vista and Windows 7 have approximately the same requirements (Win 7 uses around 350mb more RAM based on what I've seen) so it's safe to assume that if you exceed the Recommended specs for Vista by at least 512mb you'll be fine in that respect.
GTX 260 is NOT a 8600 GT. Not even close. The GTX 260 is BETTER than the GTS 250 (9800 GTX+ Rebranded). In fact, the GTX 260 is on the whole new GT200 Architecture. The GT 220 is the closest rebrand or specification to the 8600 GT (the GT 240 is a 9600 GT rebrand or really close equivalent specification).
Windows 7 is so much better than Vista and you will find yourself that RAM is optimized better in 7 than Vista. I think honestly 7 doesn't need as much RAM as Vista since it is that good in optimization. I think for your case you are fine. Many people on these forums go overboard with really how much RAM is needed and such. So let me give you the load down.
1. Anything over 4 GB of RAM (DDR2/DDR3) is kinda overkill UNLESS you are a true multitasker with various RAM consuming programs opened simultaneously (Like playing DA:O and asking Photoshop to render something with .RAW photographic files at the same time).
2. Windows 7 as I said is better optimized that it doesn't use tons of RAM as Vista did. Therefore you RAM usage should be LOWER in 7 than Vista in GENERAL.
3. x64 vs. x86 in RAM usage should be the same. x64 DOESN'T use MORE RAM than x86 (x32). The only thing x64 is BETTER at is it is able to UTILIZE x64 PROGRAMS and DETECT more RAM OVER 3.25 GB. RAM USAGE on x64 programs VARY. DA:O is a x86 Program but it DOES use lots of RAM, HOWEVER the advantage usage of such RAM diminishes really after 4 GB, meaning 4 GB is still a plenty (considering you don't multitask as you game).
4. 3 GB of RAM for Vista for this game is important as Vista HOGS RAM like Ale. For 7, I think you CAN get away with it with only 2 GB, due to how 7 uses less (IN GENERAL) RAM than Vista (for me with Windows 7 Ultimate x64).
5. DA:O uses RAM a lot for a game is due to how much scripts and game engine calculation is done in-game (this is more or less a D&D Pen-and-Pencil game system all computerized with fancy graphics, so the computer has to be your Game Master AND doing all your rolling and calculations as well). In fact it is so complication that DA:O will inevitably start having the infamous memory leak woes that causes general loading slowdowns and such that requires you to stop playing and reload the game ever few hours. That is a game engine problem, not your RAM being too little.
6. Adding 5 GB of RAM is a BAD idea. Odd number of RAM added to your computer will lose the Dual Channel ability of your RAM, meaning your RAM will lose some speed and optimization. Sure you get more space, but you lose the DDR Bandwidth the RAM is using to connect to your CPU. In my honest opinion, I rather stick with Even number of RAM (with each stick having the same capacity like one 2 GB stick or 2 1 GB sticks to make up the even numbered 2 GB RAM etc.)
7. In conclusion, your 4 GB of RAM is enough. Unless as I said before you are a true multitasker. I find the norms of hardware advancement today to excessive to the development of software.
PS: I do use 4 GB of DDR2 RAM BTW. 4 GB is the norm for Vista and 7 era computers. 2 GB is still the norm to the XP Loyalists. Right now the stupid OEM's are trying to make 6 GB the new norm but I find that to be overkill for this year and maybe next year. In 2011 6 GB maybe the new norm. All depends on the software industry.
Modifié par StrikeSaber47, 15 décembre 2009 - 10:11 .
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