Max Builds an HTPC Part IV: The RAM

Posted By: Max Zuckerman | Nov 26th, 2008 @ 1:17 PM | 23,124 Views | 55 Comments

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HTPCram Personally I can’t wait until we get to the point that memory is no longer volatile… imagine the power savings, speed, and data efficiency! But that’s a topic for another day. Right now, let’s make our Random Access Memory (RAM) decisions for our build an HTPC project!

In the motherboard discussion, many of you were recommending the “G45” chipset, which means we should stick to 240 pin DDR2 800 chips. Beyond that, the rest is really up to you to decide.

2 gigs? 4 gigs? 16 gigs?
Should it have a heat spreader?
What latency should we consider?
Does latency even matter for media applications?

Reaaaaaady….. GO!

Tags: max builds a pc series, maxbuildsMediaCenter, ram

Rating:

aeoth

2gb is sufficient for any HD playback, but given the price of ram these days, go for 4gb.
Latency very rarely matters for anything but synthetic benchmarks, let alone for media playback or encoding for that matter.
Encoding (even 1080p/h.264/high bitrate) won't push 2-3gb, so from that point of view its "safe".

Midpipps

I would say it depends on the OS if 64 bit may as well get 2X2Gb of ram with how cheap it is. If 32 bit then probably just load it up with 3 gigs. Either way I am a big Fan of Corsair XMS series or GSkill. Have used both for a long time now and have yet to run into any bad sticks.

Mouser

I think 3gb of ram would be enough for either type of os, but if we do get a 64bit os then why not just up it to 4gb. I personally like OCZ ram, plenty fast for my gaming needs and haven't had a problem with them so far.

Trix

Go 64bit, go 8 gigs.

Seriously, there is no reason not to load that system with 2GB x 4 of ram.

This stuff is pretty cheap now adays.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134581

Can never have too much ram.

Any name brand ram stick will do. Kingston is my favorite. Lifetime warranty.

DylanC
Loving Vista

4GB should suffice. Get sticks with heat spreaders though... you don't want your memory getting too hot and adding to overall system heat.

sriram
hello world

RAM is cheap these days...why not just max the board as trix suggested..sure ur usual applications wont spill over 3gb..but hey, its Max's HTPC...its gotta be max'd out Wink

4*2 Gb Corsair Domintors ..just for phun Tongue Out

dau_sama

In reply to sriram

#Nov 26th, 2008 @ 10:46 PM

I think 4GB will be enough, there is no need to go with 8GB "just for fun".

Trix

In reply to dau_sama

#Nov 27th, 2008 @ 5:08 AM

It isn't just for fun. That is certainly not the case.

I recently built a comptuer with 8GB ram for a multi media PC. One of the things it is use for is video encoding and photo editing. Adobe Lightroom 2.0 64bit will use ~3GB ram just for itself, the transition to 8GB from 4 was a night and day difference. Raw Photos 10 megapixils and up in lightroom really scroll and zoom nicely now.

8GB is the way to go, there really is not reason not to. Media Center service when running and recording can be kind of hefty in ram useage, so can the simple web browser. Vista and 7's superfetch will also make good use of it.

Here is a screenshot of that machine.