RAM or processor?

[olliea95]

I know that this question is asked so many times but I really need an answer based on my scenario. I want to know whether to buy an extra 512 mb of RAM or a 1.2 ghz processor for playing games.

Most people suggest the RAM but I am convinced that the processor would help more, because on my PC it has 2.66 ghz and 512 mb RAM, and only 512 mb seems to be enough there. Also on recommended specs, the games state 512 mb RAM is enough but a better processor is needed.

But I want what you guys think is best. Cheers,

(Current specs are 400 mhz processor and 512 mb RAM)

EDIT: Oh yeah, I know I need a new graphics card as well

 

[Eidorian]

Video card of course.

 

[geoffreak]

Buy a new machine. You shouldn't play games on a rust bucket.

 

[Eidorian]

Buy a new machine. You shouldn't play games on a rust bucket.

Games on a Power Mac G4?

I thought this was deciding on a new machine.

 

[olliea95]

Ok ignore the fact it is a crap bucket, which would be the better choice?

 

[Eidorian]

Ok ignore the fact it is a crap bucket, which would be the better choice?

Buying a new computer.

 

[geoffreak]

I thought this was deciding on a new machine.

Looks to me like upgrades to the existing machine


OP, you won't get much, if any, gameplay out of either of the upgrades. Both combined would bring your computer from seriously beyond underpowered to just really underpowered.

 

[olliea95]

Oh well, give up with trying to get an answer out of this =/

 

[geoffreak]

Sell the PowerMac and buy a Mac Mini!
HUGE performance difference in gameplay.

 

[slpdLoad]

Well it depends...what OS are you running, what is your current page in/outs, and what games do you want to play?

The RAM for that machine must be down to just a few dollars per stick of 512 or 1gb, so that's a no brainer. If you can do the processor upgrade, that would be a huge improvement. And just buy whatever the best graphics card was for that machine...nothing is really going to be "good" by today's standards, but that brings us back to the question of what game do you want to play and at what resolution.

At some point, as people are suggesting here, you must decide whether the upgrades are really worth it or if the money would be better spent on a new machine than an 8 year old one.

 

[oculus42]

processor.

512 is OK under Mac OS X 10.4. More is better, but a 400 MHz machine is too slow to watch Homestar Runner. Even Strong Bad has a faster computer.

 

[Tumbleweed666]

If you are playing 10 year old games, more memory, otherwise, put the money towards a new machine rather than throw it down the drain.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

Oh well, give up with trying to get an answer out of this =/

RAM. Buy RAM. Cause a 1.2 GHz upgrade will expensive and you still won't be able to play any games. What games are you talking about anyway? Maelstrom?

 

[PenguinPower]

new machine. Hackintosh if you must.

 

[SkyBell]

I love how people always assume "gaming" means playing new games.

 

[PenguinPower]

Looks like someone is getting an Ebay-ed Commodore 64 with Tut's Tomb and Beam rider to "game".

 

[surflordca]

Ok ignore the fact it is a crap bucket, which would be the better choice?

Why put good money into the old computer. Save it toward a new machine...

 

[Dan73]

Don't upgrade that, but if you must, processor will help the most. If you run out of RAM you can use the swapfile but that processor is 3 times faster.

But really do yourself a favor and save up for something new, like an iPhone, it will play games better than that thing.