Upgrading RAM?

Question

i have a dell desktop, windows XP. it is a few years old, [white casing unlike the newer black ones]

well, it has about 50-60 gigs of free space but it is still very slow for gaming and even on IE,

[it is not my connection because i have an new dell and it runs fast on the same connections]

i would like to optimize my old computer to its full potential for gaming

DEMENSION XPS T500, how do i check what my ram is gurus.

Answer 1

You're missing some important information. How much RAM (Random Access Memory) does the computer have? The 50 to 60 gigs free refers to the hard drive space which is permanent storage. The RAM is temporary storage while applications are running. When the PC shuts down the RAM is cleared out. Please find out how much RAM you currently have.

Also find out what the minimum system requirements are to run the gaming software. If your computer meets the requirements then you might not need to add more RAM.

The problem might be you have TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) programs that stay running in the background even though you thought they were not turned off. A good example could be the anti virus software that hogs up memory or an Internet Chat program or file sharing programs like Kazza, Napster, etc. These are applications that although you quit them may be still running in the background. This seems to happen as the computer gets older because of adding more software.

Since you say it is an old computer I recommend formatting the hard drive after you backup your data and reinstalling all the software. Only after you do this should you consider adding more RAM.

To add RAM you must disconnect all cables from the computer. The RAM looks like rectangular cards called SIMMS (SIngle Inline Memory Module). You may notice empty slots. This is where you can install more RAM. I recommend you have a friend show you this if it is the first time you are doing this.

Answer 2

Give us a model number and how much RAM it has now and I can be of some help, the other people are just going to send you to some website.

EDIT: Right click on My Computer and go to properties. Okay here is the RAM you need:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146079
You can put up to three of those in, but not any bigger sticks, it will only take up to 256MB sticks. As for video cards, you could try putting one of these in:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814103016
You are supposed to have 250W PSU with one of those, yours is 200 but it will still work probably. Even with these upgrades you are not going to see much improvement in games, this system is just too old to play current games.

Answer 3

Look and see how many programs are running in the back ground you should close any programs that are not needed.

Run defrag and clean Hd.

You may need to buy a new Video card with more memory

add more memory

Answer 4

Could you update your question and give the model, RAM, and Processor?
If you have less than 512Mb of RAM I would recommend upgrading.Especially running XP.