Question about RAM?

Question

My computer is super slow (64mb RAM) I was thinking about purchasing more ram for the computer. I am not to savvy about computers so I was wondering if this should help my computer go much faster. Also, is it easy to install on your own? Would I be able to finally play a computer game?! lol thanks for your answers in advance.

Answer 1

If your computer currently has only 64MB of memory, I'm guessing it's very old and that it isn't too upgradeable. My guess is that you'll be able to upgrade to a max of 256MB, if even that. I'd go to www.crucial.com and click the button that says "Scan my System", somewhere midway down their home page on the right-hand side. This will tell you exactly what type of memory you have, how much is installed, how many empty slots you have left, and how much more you can add. If you can't upgrade to more than 256MB, I wouldn't spend the money on this PC. If it can only handle a max of 256MB, then chances are that your processor is ancient (slow) as well. If this is the case, then you still won't be too impressed with the speed, and games will still be slow.

If you do decide to upgrade the memory, it's fairly straightforward. The memory you purchase should come with some basic installation instructions. Just open the PC case and look for your memory stick(s). You can identify the memory by comparing its size/shape to the new memory you purchase. Memory sticks pretty much go in only 1 way, and you push them straight in. Clips on each end of the memory slot will lock in place once the memory is properly seated. Keep in mind that memory is very static sensitive, so be careful not to cause any static shocks while installing it. To be safe, make sure you are touching a metal part of the PC case with your hand or arm while working inside the PC/installing the memory.

Answer 2

RAM is very easy to install, and with only 64 MB I would think you'll see a noticeable improvement increasing it to 128, 256 or 512 MB. You first want to make sure you have available (empty) RAM slots though. But even if you don't, removing one of your existing chips and replacing it with a higher capacity chip will serve the same purpose. If I were you the first thing I would do is try to open your case so you can access your RAM slots, you will need to do this eventually and it's not a bad idea to get a little practice beforehand. Here are a few tutorials on adding RAM:

http://www.computermemoryupgrade.net/installing-computer-memory.html

http://www.kitchentablecomputers.com/assemble7.htm

Answer 3

adding ram will surely boost your computer's performance, but if the game you're trying to play requires a faster processor, then you're SOL. Installing the ram is a sinch, as long as you have the right ram for your computer. If you tell whoever you're buying the ram from exactly what kind of computer you have, model number, etc. Another good idea would be to bring the computer with you to the store, they can tell you exactly what type of ram you'll need, and may even be able to install it for you there.

Answer 4

WAIT !!!! Before you throw your money away, think about this: It has been 10 years or more since computers shipped with 64 mb RAM. Chances are, if you put max RAM in the machine you would wind up with nothing better than you have now. All the computer games are made for the latest greatest technologies including chip sets, not older earlier-generation equipment.

I doubt you'd be able to run any modern games....

Good Luck

Answer 5

You are unlikely to see significant improvement in your computer. First, RAM alone is not sufficient to increase performance. Performance improvement is a combination of cpu, video card, and RAM. That you have only 64mb of RAM indicates that you have a relatively old computer. Try getting a more modern one. Even a used one will do if you have the ability to later upgrade it.

Good luck.

Answer 6

To play pc games you must also take into account your video graphics card (is it new, does it have at least 128MB) and your processor (speed). Changing your RAM is very easy, they come in a shape of a thin circuit board that slides into a socket and is retained in position by two clips. When you decide to change your RAM don't forget to check the compatibility with your mother board because there are different kinds of RAM available running on different frequencies.

Answer 7

Since the RAM you would be purchasing is obsolete and therefore relatively expensive, you would be much better off replacing the computer with a used one of the same or lesser cost than the RAM.

Answer 8

Easy to install; The trick is to get the right RAM. Usually if you open the PC box, it will show how many slots you have, and in most cases, the model will dictate how much you can put in. The RAM is usually labelled. Contact upgrade-solutions.com by phone, and you can get good advice, and suggestions on upgrade paths

Answer 9

Generally yes this should help your computer run faster how ever if you only have a Pentium 500 MHz processor it's really not going to help that much in my opinion. A really neat tool to find out what kind of ram you have in your system, processor info etc is available here. http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php other wise if you have say a compaq/gateway/dell etc, just go to http://www.crucial.com they have a configurator on there page that should be able to tell you exactly what type/kind of memory you can install in your pc.

Answer 10

What is the CPU speed and how old is the PC? You might be able to add more memory to the motherboard, but that does not mean that it can support it. Take the PC to the Geek Squad at Best Buy and have them find out.