If a deal on RAM sticks ever pops up should I get it for my build?

My system is currently running on a quad core AMD cpu with 60MHz of L3 cache and a GTX460 EE SC with 1GB memory.I have a 4GB RAM card occupying one slot of my gigabyte motherboard and I have one question. IF A DEAL ON RAM EVER POPS UP SHOULD I GET IT? I mean I recently saw a $12 Corsair 4GB RAM card with a heat spreader and for all you people who have 8GB RAM, does it help improve performance at all? My computer works fine but I plan on running 3DS max to render some 3D cars or something in the near future.
so to sum it all up:
- Would it be recommended to have 8GB's of memory for 3DS max?
- Is 4GB RAM worth getting if I already have a 4GB RAM card?
- What price should I consider a deal if I already have 4GB of ram?
Thanks~

While having 8GB is probably overkill for most people, you should see a bit of performance increase by running 2 sticks in dual channel vs. 1 stick in single channel.

Make sure the stick you get has the same speed and CAS latency.

Don't mixmatch ram sticks unless you know what you are doing. IMO just find a cheap 2x4gb set for under 40. Ram does help for 3ds max if you upgrade to 8gbs (performance increase due to dual channel) and also more space for 3ds to use.

At these cheap of prices I say why not.

The use of memory in 3ds Max depends on complexity of the scene. Highly complex scenes require more memory than lesser complex scenes.

I'd take a chance on 4GB if it was $12, but that particular memory is from Corsair's XMS line, which Corsair admits is overclocked, and their description indicates they don't really test it very thoroughly. A couple of years ago, when Fry's had 4GB DDR2 XMS for $15, several friends and I bought some, and 5 of us had failures. IOW test the heck out of it with MemTest86, MemTest86+, AND Gold Memory, each overnight. BTW heatsinks are a sign of probable poor quality, unless they're on RDRAM or Samsung modules.

Will your system use more than 4GB? IOW do you have a 64-bit operating system?

yes, get it. Extra memory (when its cheap) is the best/most economical way to extend the life of your computer and increase its speed.

*I have 12 gig*