How do i know if i need more RAM?

Question

Hi, my pc has been running really slow for a long time now, so I did all the usual things like run a spyware scan, anti virus scan, i even posted a hijack this log on some forums and they all came back saying there is not malicious software on my pc, i also cleared all the cookies and temp files etc. But the pc is still running really slow, its quite an old pc, maybe 8 years old! Would that mean i need more RAM now? And if so i looked up what RAM i need, an now im totally confused! I need a PC800 or PC1066 RDRAM (NON-ECC). Can anyone please explain what the hell that means! and should i buy the PC800 OR PC1066? I already have 512MB RAM installed, so does that mean i have to get a pair, ie another 512MB RAM?

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Check how much space you have on your hard drive, and how many programs you have that you never use - delete the unnecessary one and then re-do a defrag.

You need to check your machines specification to find out the max ram you can fit, and then just fit as much as you can - a Gig if you can get away with it.

The ECC is neither here nor there - it stands for Error Correction Code, and just check that the memory is being efficient - it won't do much for the day-to-day speed of your computer.

Answer 2

When you say running slow, do you mean when you are using software that you have always had loaded on there, running newer software, or on the Internet?

If the latter 2 it is probably just that your PC is now a little long in the tooth to deal with the amount of data which needs to be processed. I have a 7 year old laptop that I use for virus testing, and it can take an age to just load up a simple web page, due to the number of graphics, flash, etc.

There is the possibility that the hardware you have could be failing. If some of your RAM has died this might be the cause.

Answer 3

Hit CTRL ALT DELETE and look at your task manager to see how many programs are running in the background. I assume you are running Windows ME since your machine is so old...
If you are running XP then yes you need a new machine. But to tune it up before you re-invest in a new machine go to your run menu and type in msconfig. There you will see several tabs atthe top. Go to startup and these are the programs that automatically come on when you start your machine. Many times when you install a program the program likes to put their pretty icon down in your system tray. Each program running in the systray is eating up your memory. Uncheck each of the programs that are in the startup that you do not want to run. Any Antivirus running you want to leave turned on. The others can take a flying leap... If you have Real Player you will probably have to go into their menu to disable it as well as quicktime. They have a script that runs to see if you disabled their little pretty and reenables it. Adobe is another memory hog that will place an icon.
Once you get rid of all your little pretty icons from your systray it will run better...Reboot and it will pop up telling you are running in diagnostic mode click continue and make sure it all works like it should and the next time you reboot put a checkmark in the box telling it not to show at startup again...
There are also registry cleaners that are worthy of running...
Example you uninstall a program and the program was poorly written and does not completely uninstall. The registry is left with a reference to start a program that does not exist. The computer looks for it without your knowledge... One does not make much difference but two, three. ten??? CClean I understand is a good program. as well as others...

Good luck with it...

Answer 4

well sicne you are using RDRAM you will have a tough time finding more. You can try and format the drives and re-install the os. Re-installing windows is the only "sure-fire" way of speeding it up. Most people recommend doing this at least once per year, if you haven't done it yet I would. But other than that, you would need a ne pc since rdram is defunct.

Answer 5

try running a defrag.

But to be honest, it's best to get a new PC. The problem is that technology moves on so mRAM, processors and motherboards etc. have changed. Modern RAM won't fit your PC and it'll get harder to find the right stuff - and the price is likely to be more expensive than the same size modern RAM.

It's going to be cheaper in the long run to get a new PC.

Answer 6

Do your self a favor and buy a new PC, upgrading a 8 year old computer is not really worth it, as you will never reach the moderns ones anyway.
Sure adding more ram will make the computer work faster, but with the modern programs and your SDRam, you loose :D

Answer 7

If you enter a similar question in your browser you will get some websites that might better answer your question.. You can purchase more RAM over the internet (I did) and they have step by step instructions on how to install it. You might also go to Best Buy or Circuit City. They usually have knowlegable employees there that shud be able to help you...

Finally, have you defragged your computer lately?

START....ALL PROGRAMS...ACCESSORIES..SYSTEM TOOLS..DISK DEFRAGMENT...Then click again on the small box --disk defragment

Answer 8

512 mb ram is sufficient for a normal pc.if you are using windows then try to disable all start up item.
click -->start-->run and type msconfig and then press enter.
uncheck all the items.also uninstall the antivirus programs and go for avg antivirus.Norton is resource killing antivirus.

if the problem persists then try to format the c drive and reinstall Operating system.

Answer 9

If your computer is getting slower then you need RAM or check the guidelines for update on computer.

Answer 10

Have you done a de-frag lately? Also download CCleaner. Also check Crucial, you can always buy from elsewhere.