3GB or 6GB RAM for i7-920+ HD 5970 rig?

[ckim2116]

I'm going to Fry's/Best Buy to pick up some memory in a couple of hours

Question is, should I get 3GB or 6GB of RAM? I only have about $1000 to spend on a complete build (minus the screen, keyboard, mouse, and HD 5970, which I already have).

With the i7-920 and HD 5970, will getting only 3GB severely bottleneck performance in games? Will the price difference of getting 6GB instead of 3GB be worth it or is it overkill?

Thank you!

 

[505090]

32bit 3gig
64bit 6gig

 

[wiinippongamer]

it'll be worth if you have 64 bit.

the more the better, isn't it obvious?

 

[capt_taco]

You can still get by with 3GB ... but that does not look like a machine that was meant to just get by. I'd get the 6GB.

And also, since it sounds like you haven't actually assembled the computer yet, definitely go with 64-bit. You'll thank yourself a year or two down the road. Or immediately, actually.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Suggest 3 x 2B modules.

 

[blackhawk1928]

If you get a 64bit operating system, it would only make sense to get 6GB. New operating systems like windows 7 are going to eat your ram like there is now tomorrow so do yourself a huge favor and get yourself 6GB of triple channeled

 

[ckim2116]

Ok so I just got back from Fry's. I had no idea what 64 and 32 bit meant. I just bought:
1. Intel Core i7-920
2. DDR3 6GB 1333MHz Tri Channel
3. Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R
4. Corsair CMPSU-650TX- 650W
5. WD 750GB Serial ATA/300HD, 32 MB buffer
6. Cooler Master HAF 932
7. Lite-On 24X SATA DVD-RW Gen II
8. Netgear WG311 G PCI 54 Mbps Wireless-G PCI Adapter
9. Windows 7 Home Premium

for a grand total of $1,184.19. And of course I already have the HD 5970 that was bought for $700. Am I paying too much?

Is this all I need to have my friend build this computer?

 

[blackhawk1928]

Yep, your set Great Build BTW, but whats your CPU Cooler though?

 

[ckim2116]

Hm... I need a CPU cooler? The fans that come with the case are not enough?

 

[wiinippongamer]

no not really, intel's stock fan will be ok if you don't overclock