does anyone know if 512mb ram slows down a computer using windows vista please?

Answer 1

Microsoft today will unveil a new website aimed at informing consumers about Windows Vista's hardware requirements, among other things. As we reported earlier, there are two levels of recommendations for Windows Vista, those dubbed "Vista-Capable" and those dubbed "Premium-Ready." Microsoft has now revealed the specs in each category, and here they are:

Minimum Requirements (Vista-Capable PCs):

* 800 MHz Intel-compatible processor
* 512MB of RAM
* DirectX 9.0-Capable Graphics Processor
* 20GB HD

Recommended Requirements (Premium-Ready PCs):

* 1 GHz Intel-compatible processor
* 1GB RAM
* DirectX 9.0-Capable Graphics Processor, with 128MB graphics memory. (64MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor less than 1,310,720 pixels [no more than 1440x900]; 128MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions from 1,310,720 to 2,304,000 pixels [no more than 1920x1200]; 256MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 pixels [more than 1920x1200]).
* 40GB HD with at least 15GB "free space"

What's the difference between the two recommendations? Machines that are only "Vista Capable" can indeed run Vista, but as we reported earlier, those machines will not be able to run the new Aero user interface.

For the PC enthusiast, the specifications—even for the "premium" experience—are tame. Joe Consumer might not feel the same way, however. 1GB of system RAM has not been common in default OEM configurations from companies such as Dell until recently, although most have been eager to sell upgrades. In fact, while 1GB of RAM is standard across Dell's popular XPS line, their bargain-oriented "Basic Desktops" still come standard with 256MB or 512MB of RAM, although upgrades are still possible. (I shudder at the thought of running Windows XP with only 256MB or 512MB of RAM!)

Indeed, part of today's announcement will highlight the release of a system-scanning tool aimed at letting users just what they need to upgrade in their system to meet either level of support. Of course, we here in the Orbiting HQ want to stress that these specification recommendations are minimum, minimum, minimum! If you have a PC with a 1 GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 128MB DirectX 9.0-compliant video card... you'd be insane to install Windows Vista (in our not-so-humble opinions.)

Until the OS is shipping, it is difficult to make recommendations that we can stick by, but our own experience with the recent beta release and other builds leads us to suggest the following emendation to Microsoft's specs: you should have a 2.5 GHz Intel-compatible "P4 generation" processor or better (which includes the newer, lower-clocked Core Solos and Duos) to even think about upgrading. 1GB of RAM will see you through tough times, but Jean Claude Van Dam would mostly certainly want 2GB of RAM in his system before fighting for the free world. We think you should plan on it, too.

Answer 2

512MB is too small even for XP to run properly let alone Vista. You need at least 1GB. Stick in as much RAM as you can afford. At some point in the future you will probably need it. I have 2.5GB in my PC and it is quick. Memory is pretty cheap. Bought my extra memory from eBay, only cost about £30. Bargain. It is also worth getting something like "Registry Mechanic" as this clears out the rubbish from the registry. It's a great tool and cheap at £24. Regular defrags help too (to a much lesser extent).

Answer 3

i might want to disagree - you want 2-4 GB of RAM for Vista run acceptably properly. Vista is undesirable. it truly is why no human being makes use of it. (I recommend why so few human beings recommend it). Wait 4 months and get homestead windows 7 - THAT runs quick and is otherwise an outstanding device.

Answer 4

As other have said you should have at least 1gb of memory. However you can improve things by disabling all the pretty extras (which is probably the reason you upgraded in the first place), and reclaim some ram.

Answer 5

512 is not enough for vista, you can run it but much slower. I suggest use at least 1 gb ram for vista

Answer 6

512mb is way to low to be run on vista, you need atleast 1gb if not more.

Answer 7

yeah it sure does 1gig min