More RAM?

[SGT.MARCO]

Well I have a really cheap computer which was really meant for just school work, not much for a gaming PC. well from my specs below you see that i have only 2 GB of RAM on my PC. I want to upgrade to at least 4 GB but would it be worth it. I am not willing to but a new PC, processor, or video card, etc.

When i play BF2 I can run everything on high and get good FPS. But when I play PR I play mostly low settings and i get a barely playable 20 FPS on average, same with arma 2. What must i do to help increase my fps to at least the 40FPS range on maps like fullujah, Lashkar, beirut.

system spec:
AMD athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4000+ 2.12GHz
RAM: 2 GB
32 bit operating system Vista
Graphics Card: GTS 450

more info at HP Pavilion a6112n Desktop PC Product Specifications HP Pavilion a6112n Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

as you can see this was never meant for gaming. I added the graphics card my self and the drivers should be updated, also i run mumble usually when i play no biggie. If you think i should get 2 more GB of RAM please give your reasons and a suggestion which to get, I dont want to make a mistake of buying one and not needing it or not buying one and needing it.

[Johncro]

Best to gte 2GB more RAM.

Also running applications like Gamebooster can help your FPS levels in PR.

[SGT.MARCO]

can you tell me what the 2 extra GB do to FPS in PR and arma 2 plz

[Johncro]

can you tell me what the 2 extra GB do to FPS in PR and arma 2 plz

Well I can't give you an exact number, It will help you in regards to textures or something like that?

[SGT.MARCO]

Well I can't give you an exact number, It will help you in regards to textures or something like that?

thanks a lot but one more question: will i see a big or small improvement. I am hoping for a big difference but idk if ram is that effective in gaming.

[Johncro]

thanks a lot but one more question: will i see a big or small improvement. I am hoping for a big difference but idk if ram is that effective in gaming.

RAM is very important actually.
You will see a difference, big or small I dunno, I can't judge.
Your CPU does have a low number though, which effects games.
But that said, you will see a difference.

[whatshisname55]

As John said, the memory will be most effective with textures. It also decreases the chances of CTD's due to memory. Framerate increase will probably be small, though I'm not sure. Imo the best thing for you to upgrade would be CPU/motherboard but you already stated that those aren't an option. If you go with more memory, make sure the new sticks have the same specs as the old ones or better yet, just buy a whole new set and toss the old ones.

[SGT.MARCO]

As John said, the memory will be most effective with textures. It also decreases the chances of CTD's due to memory. Framerate increase will probably be small, though I'm not sure. Imo the best thing for you to upgrade would be CPU/motherboard but you already stated that those aren't an option. If you go with more memory, make sure the new sticks have the same specs as the old ones or better yet, just buy a whole new set and toss the old ones.

I think you are right that i am going to have to upgrade my cpu, but i am in high school and have no money. if i was to get a new CPU it would be this Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX but i dont have $140 to put into it.

i guess i may have to start saving to see if i can buy a new one next year. thanks for the help guys.