RAM Usage Capacity?

Question

I am considering upgrading my computer RAM from 512MB to 1GB. Before I do that, I want to make sure I really need it. How can I tell from my computer/software usage, how much RAM I am truly using?

Answer 1

it all depens on what kind of work u do on ur computer.

512MB, is good for web surphing, E-mail, word proccessing and minor multimedia playing...etc.

1 GB, is good for gaming, watching movies, editing videos, editing sound....etc.

But, having more RAM is always better, and u will notice change in performance.

Answer 2

The Control-Alt-Delete method will give you an idea of what you need to look at. RAM or Memory is a temporary file system that loads into it whatever program you are currently working in. There was mention of Audio/Video editing which is a field I am into. But, if you're not using such large programs, what happens is when you multi-task the 'background' programs can go into what's called virtual memory, but this isn't as fast as your RAM. Virtual memory is a section of your secondary storage, or hard drive, devoted to a similar task as the RAM. You may be ok with 512, however 1 gig is becoming the standard and depending on how long you want to keep the computer, you may want to consider waiting to just but a new one with even more RAM. I just bought a laptop with 2GB of Memory, and a 2GB Duo Core processor for example. A bit above the average, but it will eventually be outdated and sometimes it's cheaper to just get a new one!!

Answer 3

There's various software out there that can manage AND monitor RAM usage. However, considering what you do on a computer can vary, so can the amount of RAM being used.

Upgrading to 1 GB isn't a bad idea if you plan to use your computer in the long run, and you plan to add more software to your system or plan to use more programs open at the same time. But if 1 GB is not in your budget, then to reduce use in your current RAM, you'll want to make sure you don't have too many programs running at once, and check what background processes are running that aren't necessary (task manager).

As stated previously in another answer, you'll notice a difference in performance when you have more RAM.

Answer 4

Higher capacity ram does mean more power usage but: That is a difficult question, it depends on your computer usage. If you have less than 1gb in your laptop adding the ram will actuality consume less battery power because windows will not have to swap as much data to the virtual memory in your swap file. It also depends what version of Windows you use and if you do a lot of multi-tasking. For maximum battery life 1gb is enough for Windows XP or Ubuntu, and 2gb is enough for Windows Vista unless you want to multitask demanding applications, any more ram and you will notice a drop in your run time by 5-10% when on battery power.

Answer 5

First of all check the manufacturer's website if your model can accomodate the upgrade. Most computer has a maximum allowable upgrade. Next you have to know if your memory is a PC2700, PC2100 or whatever and the speed should be exact like 133, 333.. etc. You can check it out with www.kingston.com. They can configure the correct memory for you. Try to be exact because these memories are very expensive. As for the memory usage if your using a windows XP you can try pressing the keys control-alt-del and click the task manager button. The performance and processes tabs indicates how much memory your computer is using. Good luck.

Answer 6

Here is the thing, if you double the amount of RAM than all of the programs will use more RAM, and hence will perform better. So while now you may only be using say 300 of your 512, once you have 1GB you will probably start using say 700, and you will notice a performance increase.

Answer 7

Press Control/Alt/Delete to open the Task Manager. Click the Processes tab. At the bottom you will see how much memory you have and are currently using.

Answer 8

hit Ctrl, Alt, Del, then click the "performance" tab. There's a little window that says PF Usage, it will show you exactly how much of the system memory you're using.

Answer 9

When it comes to RAM....More is better :D

I have 4GB