If I get a 512MB RAM how much faster will my computer go?

Question

Okay, I am new to this. Currently I have 512MB of RAM installed on my computer apparently. (256MB and 256MB) I want to make my computer faster and I am told getting this would help, but I am wondering how much? And what exactly will getting more RAM improve? All I can afford right now is a 512MB, so I can replace one of the 256MB.

This is the one I am looking at buying. It is the only one that my computer supports.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5489394&productCategoryId=abcat0506001&type=product&tab=7&id=1051826244183#productdetail

Answer 1

Hit the CTR, ALT, and DEL keys at the same time, and then select "task manager".

Click on the "Performance" tab. You should see a slide bar that says "MEM Usage". If this shows that you are using more memory than you computer has (i.e. more than 256 MB in your case), then you are running some of your applications off the hard drive. If this is true, the adding memory will help A LOT!!! If it shows that you have plenty of memory left over, then it likely won't help much to add more.

Note, before doing the above, have the programs that you think are running slowly up and running.

Also, before you buy memory, open up your computer and see how many open memory slots you have.

Good luck#.

Answer 2

First take the case off and see how many RAM slots you have. You may have more than 2 in which case your purchase would make more sense because you would end up with a gig of RAM.

Second, you will be spending money for 512 meg, but only increasing your RAM by 256 meg if you only have 2 slots.

Third, that is too expensive a price for older DDR RAM. Fry's had 2 Gig on sale today for $99. You should be able to get a better deal, and you can use 3200 RAM instead of 2700 RAM. It will just throttle back to the 2700 speed setting on your motherboard.

Lastly, more RAM is better up to a point, but how much you will notice it depends on what you are doing with your computer. Typing a letter, no difference. Using large graphics files, big difference. Games, big difference. Remember, the only speed increase comes from your computer not having to write to the swapfile when it runs out of physical memory. Your CPU will not run any faster.

Bottom line, $70 bucks is a lot to spend to increase your RAM by 256 meg, and the difference will be marginal. I would save my money and put it toward a new system if I were you, unless you have 3 RAM slots and can use all the RAM that you are paying for,

Answer 3

Your PC should also support PC3200 and a 512 stick in addition to one of your existing 256 sticks will make a reasonable difference .... I'm thinking that by using PC2700 it's an older computer and the Processor speed may also be affecting your performance ... but the extra Ram will definatley be a bonus

Answer 4

Try to configure first if your MotherBoard will support the addfitional RAM you want to Install...

If so it will be a big Help to your system Tho...

You give a little INFO about what you have in your Computer..

Is it a Desktop or a Notebook?

What kind of Processor do you have?

Sometimes it depends on your Processor ..the speed you are looking at despite the the lack of RAM...

But if you are buying RAM ..get a "Kingston" Brand for Quality...

Answer 5

Actually it should have to do with the processor, what you is a new. A memory will slightly improve but not completely.

Answer 6

i do no longer think of it's going to make your computing gadget quicker, even nonetheless it is going to actual enhance your computing gadget's storage means. it is an exceedingly super (with the help of homestead consumer standards) exterior no longer easypersistent, with the help of ways.

Answer 7

It will make your computer run faster and smoother,and you could be able to run more programs simultaneously without your computer running slow.

Answer 8

you should get at least 1gb of ram to see the difference inspeed on ur machine.