Could you please explain to me how to upgrade ram memory?

Question

I have an intel p4 windows xp sp2. I found out I loooove multimedia, powerpoint...games....all that.
I have an intel(r) graphics card that needs replacing by NVidia GeForce.
I have 512mb ram. (what can I say, naive first buyer)
I want to upgrade to the specified graphics card but I suspect my poor 512mb ram will be eaten in seconds...I've already extended virtual memory to maximum and I find it a poor solution.
so, please tell me this: how can I upgrade the amount of ram in my existing desktop?
By the way...I do not want to upgrade xp to vista, because of so many things not yet working in vista... anyone who can explain clearly is greatly appreciated :)

You are all good at explaining. I've been looking it up... I've got the 512 system ram and 3 empty slots to put something into. I also read it would be best to install in pairs.. so either I add one time 512mb.... hum.. or I get two times 1 gig. that would make a better system ram. Then of course I still need to replace that onboard graphics... and crucial couldnt give me a compatible one... makes me wonder... but thanks y'all!!

Answer 1

If you upgrade to the Nvidia card you will not need to worry about if using up your Memory. The card itself comes with its own memory (Usually 256 or 512MB on the card) and will not utilize your system memory. What will use up the memory are large games or programs. If you want more ram, open your computer and look at the ram chips. note what speed DDR memory it is weather 266, 333 or 400 MHz and just buy another 512 of the same speed and install it. If there are no free memory slots you
will have to by a 1GB ram chip and remove the existing chips and replace it with the new chip.

Answer 2

The graphic RAM and system RAM are not the same. They can be with very low end computers with built-in graphic cards but not usually.

If you are running the applications you think are slow, type in ctr-alt-del and you will launch the task manager. Look at the Physical memory total, (512k?) and on the left side Commit Charge total. You want more physical memory then the amount you are using or you will be swapping to disk --very slow.

The recent Microsoft updates use lots of memory and everyones XP computers are slowing down seriously

Turn off the computer and open it. Leave it plugged in, it will be safe and the chassis will be a static ground. The RAM is a SIM, it is sticking up in a socket. It is long and thin. You should read the manual on-line or if you have the book look at it because there may be requirements about which sockets to stuff the RAM into. You can run faster sometimes if you stuff the right sockets as some computers interleave access to the RAM SIMs. Also you may need the same size or have to stuff them in pairs.

Most manufacturers will have this on-line. If your clone does not, read the numbers off of the chipset and look it up this way. None of the companies make their own chips, they get everything from the chip companies. They are assembly companies, even Hp and Compaq.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You could add one 512mb pc133 sdram memory module to take your total RAM to 1024mb. Or, remove the two 256mb modules and install three 512mb modules for 1536mb total. Try the Crucial memory site - they have a good routine to help you select new memory modules for your pc - you can buy there or shop around from other vendors. The random freezes are troubling - more RAM will likely improve pc performance with some apps but may have no effect on freeze-ups. I wouldn't count on more RAM as the cure for this problem.

Answer 4

It all depends on you mother board....if it has additional slots for RAM, they can be added. You need to know what you have: check the manual or go to the manufactures website and see how many slots you have. If you got it in the last 1-2 years, you should be OK.
Good idea about Vista...it would not help anyway.

Answer 5

if you want your computer to run smoothly, get 1Ghz RAM which will cost you around $70 - $100. get it from www.newegg.com or www.pricewatch.com... but i prefer 2 Ghz RAM which may cost around $150... but worth every penny.

installation is pretty easy. just unclip both end of your RAM slot and replace old RAM with new RAM. make sure u hear "clicking" sound on both side.

also important, RAM have different # of pins and it really depends on what kind of Motherboard u have. some rams dont fit with motherboard so u need to watch what u buy.

Answer 6

Go to the following link, http://www.crucial.com/uk they can do an on line check which will determine which ram your motherboard supports. They will recommend the optimum amount. You can order on line and although they are not the cheapest it is worth paying for good ram. They guarantee compatibility with your motherboard and give an excellent warranty.They also give fitting instructions. I have used them many times and always been satisfied. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Easiest thing to do is go to Crucial.com. You enter the information of your system and they already know how much your machine can handle and even recommend the best type of RAM.

Any time I need to upgrade my RAM this is where I buy from because they make it so easy.

Answer 8

Go to your computer's manufacturer's website, find your computer, and then search on how to get more RAM.

Answer 9

First you should go to Crucial.com to see if your computer can handle more RAM

Answer 10

Go to:
http://www.crucial.com
And use the "memory selector"
and they will show you how to install it.
Excellent place to buy it. I doubled mine for $32, and had it in 23 hrs!