More RAM needed or not ?

[karbo]

How can I know for sure if I have enough RAM for my system ? I have a 900 Mhz Processor, 30 Gb hard disk and 384 Mb or RAM. Lately, when I open some applications like «Display Properties» or my «Start Menu», it takes a lot longer than before. Should I have 512 Mb of RAM with my XP ? Would that solve the problem ? I have noticed that when I open my «Display Properties», the hard disk runs for a second, meaning that the program is swapping memory on the hard disk instead of the RAM.

Thank you

 

[Bob Cerelli]

I like to have around 512 megs. After that, for normal use it is a bit of a waste to go much higher.

Things that can also affect performance that are easy to deal with are keep your TEMP directory clean. This is different from the IE cache but it's good to clean that also. Also limit the amount of fonts you have installed. Don't have more programs starting automatically than you need. If you don't need 32-bit color you can step that down.

 

[karbo]

I always keep everything clean and I don't want to loose anything. So, I guess 512 Mb would do it for me ?

 

[Matrix28]

Yeah, I would go for 512MB. Windows likes that.

 

[Rotgut]

512 is perfect.

 

[Bob Cerelli]

Hopefully with three successive posts that 512 Megs is a good spot, he gets the point. Anyone for 513? ;-)

 

[Elvandil]

Another for 512. I have 1 gig now, but monitoring use shows I never go over 512. And I think the machine was actually snappier at 512.

 

[karbo]

Thanks guys, I will get the RAM and I'll let you know of any improvement.

 

[etaf]

you may consider loading the following free file
http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1
which will provide a complete profile of your PC,
Under Memory you can see how much is being used, swap space used etc. LIVE
Run this program and then select motherboard > memory - and when the PC starts to run slow have a look at memory used and then you will see if its running out of memory.
I'm running 2 versions of win explorer, msn , 3 IE windows, photoshop, word, notepad, + jabber, phone connection, sygate firewall, steam, hp printer mon, zino, norton etc and still have not reached 512MB...

 

[Bob Cerelli]

Guess like in all the previous posts that should be a pretty good indication that 512 megs should be enough.

Also with XP you don't need any third party program to give basic memory usage. Just start the Task Manager and click on the Performance tab.

 

[karbo]

I just bought and installed a new 128 Mb RAM card. No difference. 50$ down the drain. I checked everything I could think of. In task manager I never even reached 384 Mb. The only thing I can think of is my 900 Mhz processor not being enough for XP.

I cleaned everything, ran a clean-boot, defragmented, ran HijackThis, Ad-Aware and Spybot... nothing. Do I have to change my processor now ? Help !!!

 

[LONGHAIR]

Your processor is not your problem. I have been running an 866 P3 with Windows XP since it came out. I didn't see much difference between 384 and 512 either. There was a great jump between 256 and 384 though.




edited to correct typo

 

[Bob Cerelli]

To be certain just start the Task Manager and click on the Performance tab.

Also, there are many things that can cause a recent slowdown. See the very first post to make sure you aren't just wasting money.

You might also want to download a good Spyware and Trojan Removal program.

Spybot Search and Destroy:
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=spybotsda

SpySweeper:
http://www.webroot.com/wb/products/spysweeper/index.php
This will also protect your home page from being hijacked.

Ad-Aware:
http://www.lavasoft.de/

With any of the above three programs, just like with Anti-Virus software, should have the latest updates installed before doing a scan.

CWShredder:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads/tools/CWShredder.exe

KazaaBeGone
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/kazaabegone.zip

Programs that can help prevent getting infected:

Spyware Blaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Spyware Guard
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html

 

[Cris_Cr0ss]

lol i am running at a 256 if thats what you mean lonhair never seen a 265. I am thinking of upgrading but i dont know what slots my MOBO takes. my downstairs computer uses 128 i believe and i don't know if its safe to transfer it will it matter if i put it in im not sure if its 128 or 256.

 

[Bob Cerelli]

XP with 256 megs is about the minimum. With 128 I would assume it is pretty slow.

As far as whether the memory is compatible would pretty much depend on the type of processor you have. Likely it is either pc100 or pc133 memory. It's best now to have different versions if possible.