The computer I am going to be buying has an AMD FX 4100 Processor in it. What processor(s) would be the best for a gaming computer within the budget of 100-300 dollars. Also does anyone know of a RAM drive that has 16GB each. I would like to get 2 x 16GB for this computer. I havent seen any, anywhere so it probably isnt possible. It only has 2 RAM slots so It would need to be times 2. Thanks.
Update:The reason I need 32GB is for 3D CAD programs. I need to be able to run (you might not be familiar with) AutoCAD, Rhinoceros 4.0, and Solidworks at once. Probably along with a game. Ive attempted this on 16GB RAM with an Intel Xeon Processor and it crashed or was unbelievably slow in the CAD programs. Also ive heard the AMD "FX" series isnt very good. What would you recommend for a processor?
Answers & Comments
Almost all desktop (as opposed to server or workstation) machines have a maximum of 8 GB per slot. Most have a limit of 16 GB per machine. But you haven't told us what motherboard you have.
I can tell you that your budget and your software requirements are totally out of line with each other. You are running $5000 - $10000 worth of professional software, and you are trying to keep the hardware budget down to the level of an entry level consumer machine from Staples?
You need to rethink your priorities. I would recommend spending at least $3000 on a Xeon based workstation. The Xeon processor can support RAM higher than 8GB per slot / 32 GB total, and you have the option for dual processors. You also need to look at the video cards that support OpenGL specifically compatible with your software, such as the Quadro or the Fire series.
32GB RAM is over kill. Just don't, you'll be wasting money, no game needs 32GB RAM as requirement yet. 6-12GB is a decent amount and you will be able to play anything and run fast. RAM will not make the computer faster as compared to a very good CPU.
That CPU is good, but I would recommend 6GB of RAM and saving the money to buy a FX-8150(Eight-core CPU), even though the one you mentioned is already good enough. But keep in mind that having those two things won't make games run on full with a bad Graphics card.
You are needing power for CAD and then you suggest 32GB RAM. You say that is WHY. Your CPU will be holding you back ASSUMING that it does in fact ask for 32GB of RAM. Too bad that I KNOW you will not be able to install 2 16GB RAM modules. The DIMM slots won'y be able to make sense of the RAM. Please explain WHY you THINK you NEED 32GB of RAM. NONE of your programs ask for that much RAM. That is a ridiculous waste imho. I have looked at your aforementioned programs and NONE of them say that you need even close to that amount. Have you seen your RAM usage above 4GB? I take a look at recommended specs and NOT minimum and what I am going to use this computer for and then I make a budget that willl allow me to play games as well. http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=201... shows me not even exceeding 5GB RAM usage.
You are saying I want 16GB RAM modules. You don't say ANYTHING about your motherboard. Can your motherboard support 32GB? Win 7 Home Premium can only handle 16(Windows 7 Home Premium
4 GB 32bit OS
16 GB 64bit OS. ). http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/de... . You CAN'T use 32GB with Win 7. That should have stopped you cold in your tracks but you unfortunately put the cart before the horse. The 4100 is $109. You are not going to be able to upgrade to a better processor keeping your budget in mind. I looked at the RAM limits well before I purchased ANYTHING. I purchased Win 7 Pro 64bit Retail(NOT OEM) which allows me to install 196GB RAM theoretically. I then need to look at what my CPU can handle and what my motherboard can support. My motherboard can handle 4x8GB or 32GB total. It can NOT handle 16GB RAM module in one slot even though it can accept a total of 32GB. I then needed to look at my motherboard's QVL which is its' quailified vendor list. http://www.msi.com/file/test_report/TR10_2342.pdf this told me which RAM modules have been tested and approved by MSI.
To make a long story short I looked at my needs and the needs of my programs such as my games and acted accordingly. INFORMED DECISIONS are the best and we all know what assume means.
the means grant interior the Dell won't be super sufficient to run a extra physically powerful end video card. you may't improve the proc without some extreme themes. as long because of the fact the video card does not prefer a means source.