PC build thread

[noiseredux]

this thread...

Y'know how really you shouldn't fix what ain't broke? Yet whenever this thread gets bumped I get an urge to upgrade *something* just because it's kind of fun to shop for a new component.

[TSTR]

Just don't do it in your sleep.

[Hobie-wan]

You'd be surprised at how much memory Windows and other crap will eat up, even at idle. I run 8GB, and Task manager usually tells me my memory usage is at like 20%. I want 16GB myself.

It will still expand to fill the container.

[ZenErik]

Yea. I've had zero RAM issues on Windows 8.1 even while running 2 games at once and numerous other apps. That's with 8 GB. But 16 still looks appealing...

[fastbilly1]

I am still rocking 4 gigs on my main rig. No issues except when working on really big photoshop images... But when your psd is 2gigs in size, that is always problematic.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I didn't notice much of a difference going from 8 to 16GB but going from 4 to 16GB in this laptop made a hell of a difference. However, Mac OS uses ram a bit differently. By that I mean Mac OS uses every bit you can give it.

[noiseredux]

I've got 8GB's and actually tried to upgrade to 16GB's only to find that my mobo has some issues with a couple of its slots. While it's supposed to support dual mode, I've never successfully booted it as such. (Good ol' Biostar!) So with that in mind, I've pretty much accepted that 8GB is going to remain the max for this build. But as Erik pointed out, there's no game I can think of that would need more than 8 anyway.

So pretty much my way of thinking is that I can see myself continuing to upgrade my current build until I decide it's time for a new mobo, in which case I'd just call it time to build a new PC (mostly) from scratch.

So the stuff I can still see upping is going from my i3 to an i5. After that I'm guessing that upgrading the GPU (HIS Radeon HD 6950 2GB) could also push this build up quite a bit. Though again, part of me itching to upgrade anything comes more from the fun hobbyist aspect. I really have no problems running any of my games.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Whenever I hear primarily console gamers complain that you have to upgrade every 2 years, I point out that you actually don't but you will because it becomes a hobby.

Even with laptops I fall into the trap. Nothing wrong with it when I got it but I've maxed out the ram to 16gb. I just ordered a Samsung 850 Pro 512gb to replace the aging 256gb 830. I'm also planning on ordering a kit so I can swap out the disc drive with a hard drive bay and put a 2tb hdd in it too next month.

[noiseredux]

Whenever I hear primarily console gamers complain that you have to upgrade every 2 years, I point out that you actually don't but you will because it becomes a hobby.

so true. I put this build together about a year ago. In that time I've decided I needed more RAM, needed to install an SSD, needed a new keyboard and mouse... you can just always find something you want to add-on, especially if you're in the habit of reading various websites or magazines. I read PC Gamer and Maximum PC every month and I'm always making mental notes. I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need a dedicated audio card for gaming. (I seriously don't think I need one).

[TSTR]

You don't.