A question about computer gaming performance...

[rockymountaindem]

I would like to purchase Silent Hunter III for my PC. However, the specs state that the minimum requirements are:

System: 1.4 GHz CPU or equivalent
RAM:512 MB RAM
Video Memory: 64 MB VRAM

and the recommended requirements are:

System: 2 GHz CPU or equivalent
RAM: 1024 MB RAM
Video Memory: 128 MB VRAM

Now, I have a 2 gig processor, and a 256 MB video card. However, I only have 256 MB of RAM, so I think that will be a problem. My question is; will my excess processor speed and a whole lot of extra video RAM compensate for my lack of regular RAM? How are the two different? Is getting this a waste of my time. I'd think about upgrading but my PC can only hold 384 megs of RAM maximum, and my parents don't want to get a new computer now. So, would it be possible for me to run Silent Hunter III with only 256 megs of RAM (but with all the extra stuff I have) or would that be $40 down the drain?

[democracyindanger]

1. Video RAM won't make up

much of the difference, if any at all. You sure your motherboard can only hold 384 MB RAM? That sounds weird.

If you don't have the RAM, save yourself $40.

[rockymountaindem]

2. As it turns out, I can have more RAM than that.

I looked up the wrong model by accident on the computer hardware website. I can have up to 1024 megs, or whatever I can get out of two chips. If they make higher capacity chips, then I'll be able to have more. It's time for an upgrade anyway, so I'll probably spring for two $60 chips, especially since I see more and more games that require that much RAM.

[Ariana Celeste]

3. We recently had to upgrade our RAM

for Doom 3. :7 It's worth it, even outside of gaming.