how much ram needed

espn89 · 05-12-2005, 05:32 PM

I'm new to linux and am using as normal desktop and was wondering about haw much ram is good for say fedora core 3 or mandrake. I'm having issues with ram I have (was 256mb of 400mhz and now will only run as 133mhz) and was going to purchase some and any ideas what is a good amount. I'll be getting 400mhz just not sure if will get 512 or 1gb.

piscikeeper · 05-12-2005, 06:01 PM

linux loves ram.unlike windows,it won't use swap unless it's needed.512 will be fine,but 1gb will be even better.
you may want to check your bios settings and see what the current ram is set to.....ram either works or causes errors,it dosen't slow down.

syg00 · 05-12-2005, 06:05 PM

More is never enough

Just make sure you search the archives first before asking "why don't I have any free RAM - I just put a Gig in???".

Half_Elf · 05-12-2005, 07:28 PM

I have 256MB and it is plenty, unless I start some java applications

J.W. · 05-12-2005, 07:51 PM

Get as much as your budget comfortably allows. For a typical desktop, 512Mg is plenty. I would not go below 256Mg if you can avoid it, similarly, going over 1G would be a waste since it would be extremely unlikely that you'd ever actually be using it all. Good luck with it -- J.W.

syg00 · 05-12-2005, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.W.
... going over 1G would be a waste since it would be extremely unlikely that you'd ever actually be using it all.

Doth I hear a faint echo of (reasonably recent) history here ???. Something about no-one ever needing more than 640K.
Nothing gets "wasted" if it gets used - even if only for disk cache.

Yes, I did omit the "typical desktop" from the cite.
I could comfortably burn 4 Gig, but am certainly not in the "typical" group. However I suspect video and photo editting would leave its mark, although I've not tried either under Linux - will get to it one day.

espn89 · 05-13-2005, 02:38 PM

Thanks all for the help, think I'll just go with the gig as is not much higher. I'm not sure what happened to ram. I was given this computer because was "junk". They didnt have surge supressor and were using during storm, when electric went out their video card burned out and ram running as sd at 133mhz. I fixed their other computer and gave me this as payment, new video and ram and good as new.

Filmoscope · 05-14-2005, 03:20 AM

Amount of RAM usually depends on your budget and needs. If you plan WORK, 128-256 will be enough for most tasks otherwise you need more RAM. 512 is enough for almost anything, 1g - I don't think you will be able to use fully.