Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Would 4gigs ram improve game performance?
- Thread starter MikeyTree
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I'm thinking not - your graphics card will be the biggest limiting factor. More RAM would be good for running other apps in the background while you game.
There has been test on tom's hardware and upgrading memory will give you very minimal gain. You may see at most 5% but not in every game. As previous post, the limiting factor is your GPU and VRAM which cannot be upgraded in a laptop.
If gaming performance and playing the latest and greatest, you should consider getting a mac pro with the 8800 GT or using a window desktop.
If gaming performance and playing the latest and greatest, you should consider getting a mac pro with the 8800 GT or using a window desktop.
I just recently upgraded my MBP to 4 gigs of RAM and the only noticeable effect it's had is that I can use a higher sound level (more unique voices, better sound quality) in BF2142. It seems that increased RAM just really helps with having more things that are not stored in VRAM, like audio.
On a side note, I haven't had any page outs when doing a lot of things simultaneously, either.
On a side note, I haven't had any page outs when doing a lot of things simultaneously, either.
It will have virtually zero impact on maximum in-game framerate, compared to 2GB.
It will probably eliminate system page outs and swapping.
It's a $50.00 no-brainer.
It will probably eliminate system page outs and swapping.
It's a $50.00 no-brainer.
It helps in some games like Crysis but mind you, the framerates stay the same, it's only generally quicker loading levels and it's a little smoother (less jumps between FPS but average FPS stays the same).
Is it worth it? Well 4GB is very nice for general computer usage but it doesn't help too much in games.
Is it worth it? Well 4GB is very nice for general computer usage but it doesn't help too much in games.
Yea, a better graphics card is the only thing that'll really helps with gaming sadly, you'll need a MacPro to get one.
Hey Chone, you're a Heroes gamer, right? Do you play the PC version in BootCamp? If so: Are you able to play online without constantly disconnecting? + What machine do you have?
if you build it he will come
What was that? A man looks around his corn field and freaks out. Of coarse it's not being used, neither is 85% of your brain. I say start running your old games like Red Baron on your computer with 64MB as see if that helps keep things in perspective. If you guys don't stop whining the game gods won't be pleased in connecting your world to there more superior world: fast cars and fast women(and some times men) world.
What was that? A man looks around his corn field and freaks out. Of coarse it's not being used, neither is 85% of your brain. I say start running your old games like Red Baron on your computer with 64MB as see if that helps keep things in perspective. If you guys don't stop whining the game gods won't be pleased in connecting your world to there more superior world: fast cars and fast women(and some times men) world.
Okay first off:
What?
Secondly:
The RAM is going to increase performance a little bit, probably 5-10%, this is depending on what other applications you are running while running in the background, if you are only running the game and finder, obviously you have less applications eating memory, but if your keeping open safari, then memory might help more.
What?
Secondly:
The RAM is going to increase performance a little bit, probably 5-10%, this is depending on what other applications you are running while running in the background, if you are only running the game and finder, obviously you have less applications eating memory, but if your keeping open safari, then memory might help more.
Yes, it will increase your performance. As said in other posts, it will be somewhat minimal though, and it will vary on the game and the computer. I read some where a while ago that it will increase halo on a MBP about 3-5 FPS, and around 2-5 FPS on Doom 3.
Is it worth it? IMO, Yes. I like to have programs in the background, especially when I am playing halo, I switch back and forth. Also, it makes the laptop run much smoother. I dont have 4GB in my laptop yet, but from asking around and reading other articles, this is the general consensus.
Is it worth it? IMO, Yes. I like to have programs in the background, especially when I am playing halo, I switch back and forth. Also, it makes the laptop run much smoother. I dont have 4GB in my laptop yet, but from asking around and reading other articles, this is the general consensus.