Can I run a 7GB game on a 4GB RAM iMac?

niamhmc · 07:42 AM

So im not the expert on macs, and I have GTA san andreas which is about like 5gb and I have a 4gb memory iMac, and that works fine. I'm now downloading borderlands and thats 7gb, would I be able to run that on my mac? Considering its an extra 2gb worth, I thought I had better ask, in case there was a biiggg difference.

NOTE: When I say RAM, I mean memory, I'm not sure if they're the same thing.. but I can't seem to change my title :/

-Niamh

simsaladimbamba · Nov 18, 2012, 07:42 AM

You confuse storage capacity (7 GB in your case) with memory (4 GB in your case).

You can even install an 100 GB application on a computer with 4 GB RAM.

It is recommended, to have 10 to 20 % of the SSD/HDD's capacity unused.
The above links also apply to SSDs.

RAM is short for Random Access Memory, thus the term memory applies for RAM.

To edit your thread title, just click on the

button on the bottom right of your original post and then click the

button below your message.

DoctorCrap · Nov 18, 2012, 08:29 AM

The old misunderstanding between RAM and HDD.
RAM: Your computers memory to process files
HDD: (Hard Disk Drive) Amount of space in available on your computer to store data.

7GB RAM or 7GB HDD Space? There is a difference

markus843 · Nov 18, 2012, 07:03 PM

Like someone stated, you can install something that is 100gb with even 1gb ram. Ram is basically how much your computer can handle at once. The 7gb in your game basically means how much space it will take up on your HARD DRIVE , not ram.

Nov 18, 2012, 07:39 AM	#1
niamhmc macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2012	Can I run a 7GB game on a 4GB RAM iMac? So im not the expert on macs, and I have GTA san andreas which is about like 5gb and I have a 4gb memory iMac, and that works fine. I'm now downloading borderlands and thats 7gb, would I be able to run that on my mac? Considering its an extra 2gb worth, I thought I had better ask, in case there was a biiggg difference. NOTE: When I say RAM, I mean memory, I'm not sure if they're the same thing.. but I can't seem to change my title :/ -Niamh Last edited by niamhmc; Nov 18, 2012 at 07:42 AM. Reason: used wrong wording.
	0

Nov 18, 2012, 07:42 AM	#2
simsaladimbamba macrumors Core Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: in front of it	You confuse storage capacity (7 GB in your case) with memory (4 GB in your case). You can even install an 100 GB application on a computer with 4 GB RAM. Computer Storage: Ram vs. Hard Drive Space RAM vs. Hard Disk It is recommended, to have 10 to 20 % of the SSD/HDD's capacity unused. The above links also apply to SSDs. RAM is short for Random Access Memory, thus the term memory applies for RAM. To edit your thread title, just click on the button on the bottom right of your original post and then click the button below your message. __________________ This is not
	1

Nov 18, 2012, 08:29 AM	#3
DoctorCrap macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Penang, Malaysia	The old misunderstanding between RAM and HDD. RAM: Your computers memory to process files HDD: (Hard Disk Drive) Amount of space in available on your computer to store data. 7GB RAM or 7GB HDD Space? There is a difference __________________ 13" Macbook Air 2010, iPhone 4 Forever, Steve Jobs
	0

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Nov 18, 2012, 07:03 PM	#4
markus843 Banned Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: North america	Like someone stated, you can install something that is 100gb with even 1gb ram. Ram is basically how much your computer can handle at once. The 7gb in your game basically means how much space it will take up on your HARD DRIVE , not ram.
	0


MacRumors Forums > Apple Applications > Mac Applications and Mac App Store