Slow computer - upgrading RAM?

Question

My computer has 256mb RAM and I would like to upgrade it as much as possible. I had though of adding an additional 512mb but my Dad said to go much bigger. (2gb!)
I was just on Dell's website and they recommended not upgrading any more than the original RAM - I would take this to mean I could only but another 256mb, is this right? I am doubting this will make much difference to the speed of my computer.
They also recommend installing it in 2 smalled units ie 2 128mbs Again this seems like a much more expensive way of doing this.
Can someone please give me some sound advice that is tried and trested! I cannot afford for it to go wrong!!
Not very computer literate so keep it simple!! ;o)

Answer 1

Upgrading memory is very simple to do, the main thing is to know WHAT TYPE of memory you own...SD RAM, DDR, RAM ETC...Go to this website, it is already set up for Dell model computers. It will list all the best, biggest, and compatible memory for your computer. Upgrading will make your computer seem much faster because operating systems use a lot of Memory especially VISTA, I have 2GB or memory 2 1GB sticks and Vista uses half of my memory almost 1 GB. Memory helps you open up multiple applications at once with ease without the lag and ghost windows that pop up when you drag a window around your desktop.

Here is the Link...good luck:

http://www.crucial.com/store/listProductLine.asp?cat=RAM&mfr=Dell&submit=Go

Answer 2

Find out what your computer can handle and then just get as much as you can afford.

If you're computer can handle another two 2 GiB modules and you can afford them then buy them and you'll have more than 2 GiB RAM which would be nice to have.

Though there is a point beyond which adding more RAM won't do anything to speed up your computer (you only get speed improvements if you didn't have enough RAM in the first place so you do get a law of diminishing returns with upgrading RAM where a small increase can give a massive performance boost while a large increase in RAM might not give much more of a performance boost than the small increase in RAM).

Still if RAM is cheap get as much as you can afford.

For Windows XP or Linux going to 768 MiB would be sufficient for most purposes although Vista really would require you to go to a couple of Gig (although Vista is crap anyway).

If you don't know how to do it yourself paying the local computer shop to do it for you might be worth it, they'll make sure whatever RAM is added actually works with your computer. If you're not very computer literate that's really the way to go.

Answer 3

If you have the manual for the mainboard - also known as motherboard - you should be able to see what kind of memory is supported, and how much you can use max.

Considering the age of the computer i would reccommend you upgrade to no more than 1 GB, although i think 512 MB would also serve its purpose.

If you run Windows XP, 512 is minimum, and then i would advise 1 GB.

If you do it in 2 strips, 2x512 is usually about the same price as 1x 1GB. The bonus to that is, that in the very unlikely event one memory chip breaks down, you will still have 512 at your disposal.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Well first off I need to know how much RAM you do have, also and upgrade of RAM when any computer is getting slow is extremely helpful to your PC's speed. Hope I helped - Luke

Answer 5

Depending on your CPU/OS a minimum of 512 would be wanted.

2GB is probably overkill if you've had 256.. 2 512's would be dandy.

2 128's would get you nowhere... the reason they say install two of the same size is so they can use dual-channel -- but 2 128's isnt going to do you any good. I would look at adding another 256 at a minimum, and if your budget allows, replace the exising 256 module with 2 512's.

Answer 6

The bare minimum for XP and the internet is about 512MB now. I use 1 GB and it's a bit slow. You can get 2 GB rather cheaply now, so I'd go to that and it will keep you running for 2 years. Hope that helps.

Answer 7

It also depends on what your motherboard can handle ,If you goto the website link below it will scan your computer and give you the best advice also telling you what type of ram you need as mixing or putting the wrong ram in will knacker your M.B !

Answer 8

Cleaning the register is a good way of improving the performances of your pc and eliminate malwares and trojans. A program I trust is CCleaner http://bit.ly/UrAuos