Hardware RAM upgrade...

[MaverickSawyer]

I just got a new computer, and it's doing great... except that there's only 4GB of RAM. And, as anyone who's played KSP knows, that's barely enough for the stock version. :facepalm:
So, I'm looking for different options for upgrading my computer. It's an HP, in the low-mid range in terms of price. Anyone have some personal suggestions as for brands to use/not to use? Keep in mind, though, that I'm on a really tight budget...

 

[Quick_Nick]

It's the worst time to get RAM, but not likely to get any better.
http://www.extremetech.com/computin...spikes-in-wake-of-hynix-fire-but-for-how-long

 

[Hielor]

Um...KSP is x86, so it can't make use of more than a couple gigs of RAM anyway. Unless you're running a bunch of other stuff on your machine, 4gb is fine.

 

[MaverickSawyer]

Well, the Task Manager says 97% physical memory is in use one KSP is up and running. :shrug:

 

[orb]

Um...KSP is x86, so it can't make use of more than a couple gigs of RAM anyway.

Not on Linux, where it's shipped with both KSP.x86 (ELF 32-bit LSB + 32-bit Mono library) and KSP.x86_64 (ELF 64-bit LSB + 64-bit Mono library) binaries + platform independent CLI assemblies.

Let's assume KSP can utilize only the maximum of 4 GiB on Windows x86_64. The remaining extra memory can be used by the system, drivers, services, buffers/cache and other programs running in background (without swapping).

 

[Deleted Orbinaut]

Let's assume KSP can utilize only the maximum of 4 GiB on Windows x86_64. The remaining extra memory can be used by the system, drivers, services, buffers/cache and other programs running in background (without swapping).

You don't have to assume. It's the actual case. If KSP exceeds 4GB on a Windows installation, it will CTD without warning. I've had to drastically pare back on parts mods, and even deleted a few stock parts since 0.21.

 

[MaverickSawyer]

You don't have to assume. It's the actual case. If KSP exceeds 4GB on a Windows installation, it will CTD without warning. I've had to drastically pare back on parts mods, and even deleted a few stock parts since 0.21.

Yup. that's the problem I've been having. But, even the vanilla install ran at 75-80%, depending on what I was doing at the time.

 

[Quick_Nick]

Yup. that's the problem I've been having. But, even the vanilla install ran at 75-80%, depending on what I was doing at the time.

Yeah, applications tend to CTD at 3.1-3.5GB. It's a pain with recent games that (can) have great graphics for example but are limited by this RAM limit, whereas your hardware passed that limit a few years ago. (come on, Skyrim, get with the 64-bit program)

 

[MaverickSawyer]

So, back to topic: Any particular brands I should look for or avoid?

 

[Quick_Nick]

I've been seeing Corsair recommended from a reliable source.

 

[dbeachy1]

I have had good success (including lifetime warranties) with OCZ, Patriot, and Corsair. But there are additional good RAM brands besides those, too. :thumbup:

 

[MaverickSawyer]

Ok, folks, thanks for the tip. I'll take a look at the Corsair RAM and see how much it's going to cost me.

 

[Quick_Nick]

Ok, folks, thanks for the tip. I'll take a look at the Corsair RAM and see how much it's going to cost me.

Again, some prices have just about doubled recently, so, godspeed...
I got parts ordered for a new PC just last weekend. Vendors had, at best, week-long guaranteed prices. Had to get in on that before things turned much worse.