Is it worth upgrading RAM before other PC parts?

[Chaosolous]

I'm pretty software savvy but my hardware knowledge is meh.

I was thinking of bringing my RAM up to 32GB from 16GB. However, the CPU and GPU in my rig are starting to age too.

Would I see any noticeable benefit from increasing the RAM vs. upgrading the other parts?

Obviously yes, upgrading my GPU and CPU would be a big improvement but I'm asking if the extra RAM would even be noticeable.

[andreasaspenberg575]

it might be worth it but, i do not know your hardware. if you tell me all of your specs, then i can better tell you.

[Chaosolous]

Running a GTX 1660 Super, i5 11400F and Windows 10 (switching to Linux eventually).

I was considering upgrading my GPU to an RTX or my CPU before adding RAM but I'm not sure.

I'm just trying to weigh the costs vs. improvements.

[andreasaspenberg575]

with that kind of specs, upgrading your ram will really help. you can also achieve much by upgrading the cpu from an i5 to an i7. though that costs more. you should upgrade the ram first.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

16GB RAM will go alot further on Linux; keep in mind.

Your CPU is good enough to run along side an RTX 3080 / 3080 Ti; no problem.

I wouldn't upgrade CPU until you are ready to make the switch to a modern DDR5 based platform. Then on that go with 2x 16GB or 2x 32GB of RAM

[Chaosolous]

Word. I appreciate the input, thank you. Just ordered some more RAM.

[Chaosolous]

smallcat eredeti hozzászólása:

Wasting your money . Anyway

RAM is super cheap. Either way I was gonna upgrade it eventually. Appreciate the input though.

[Chaosolous]

smallcat eredeti hozzászólása:

Have a hdd ?

Nah, I'm running on an SSD.

[A&A]

Yes if it is not just gaming. DDR4 is super cheap. Even the fastest ram kits with Samsung B dies are reasonably priced (They are usually 3200MHz with primary timmings 14-14-14-34). But if you intend to add two extra dimms to get 4X8GB, then you'd better get a cheaper kit that has similar specs to your RAM, if possible the same RAM model.

I see no reason why you should upgrade your CPU to a newer generation yet, because the biggest jump in performance happened on the 12th generation intel, while the 13th and 14th don't have much improvement and the next generation will use a different socket , which makes it pointless to get a new platform right now.

Propably get a new GPU first.

The thing is right now everywhere something new is coming. Backside powered chips, GDDR7 in the GPU, maybe better DDR5 kits, NPUs and whatnot. And since this is new technology, there will certainly be some improvements, but the reliability of the first new products is questionable, so I guess you max out the old ones? Computex is almost a month away.

[andreasaspenberg575]

you would get a considerable performance increase by upgrading to i7. the rocket lake i7 have 2 more cores than the i5 and 4 more threads. it also have 4 megabytes more cache. just make sure that you go for a version with equal frequency or higher.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

^ Not before a better GPU. GTX 16 series is utter junk.
Better GPU should be first.

[Zukabazuka]

Well depending on what CL speed and MHZ it has it could be good to update. But if they are decent then GPU should be first.

[Tiberius]

Unless theres a condition where you are heavily limited by RAM (real bad stutter in game), the upgrade is a waste of money.

[andreasaspenberg575]

your ram use depends on how much stuff you are running at once. steam itself is using around 500 megabytes. browsers usually use a lot if you leave them running.

[Chaosolous]

I do a lot of work using AI systems that tend to churn RAM usage up pretty high during processing. Also I do game development in UE5 as a hobby.

Either way it's all getting upgraded at some point, I've decided to begin with the RAM, then I might invest in a 30XX series RTX later on, unless the 40's become more affordable.

I like PC for hobby work but it's ungodly expensive sometimes.

[Mailer]

I *think* it used to be that most computer enthusiasts would upgrade the GPU first before getting the rest of what they need for the "next step up" so to speak. Nowadays there are obviously more considerations to ponder like power draw, the offered cables of your PSU, and whether the motherboard can actually support the weight of these absolutely massive graphics cards that are coming out as of recent.

Thus, provided you have a PSU that is decent enough to support the new GPU that you are eyeing, this is the same upgrade path I would recommend still, as opposed to doubling down on existing RAM, if the intention is to replace everything in the near future anyway.

But, hey, I wouldn't exactly fret about your decision since RAM is relatively cheap to come by anyway. May as well enjoy your cheap platform at high capacity while you have it. I know I do with similar specs like yours.