Should I add more RAM

iano · 04-16-2009, 04:27 AM

Hallo there,

I'm running XP Home on a Compaq desktop (3.06GHz/1Mb). Under normal circumstances there'll be 2 accounts logged on with multiple windows open in each (multiple internet tabs, Word, Excel, etc). RAM usage under these circumstances sits at 70-75% (after having trimmed things down in the startup folder)

Although RAM usage never hits 100% I notice the PC to be a little less "bright" in terms of it's response under these conditions compared to when the RAM load is light - say with just a single account open and perhaps an internet tab or two. RAM usage with just the desktop showing is about 40% btw.

The question is whether there is anything to be gained by adding more RAM - say by moving up to 2Gb? Would I see performance improvement or should I wait until RAM is pegging out in the 90%'s before changing up.

Thanks

jonathan68 · 04-16-2009, 06:28 AM

adding more ram is still the easiest thing you can do to any computer to give it a little more pep. windows XP will take about 1/4 of that 1 gb you have just to run windows sitting there at idle. you were heading in the right direction by turning off unused things to try and gain more ram. adding more ram won't hurt anything and yes it will help out when you have alot of things running at the same time.

whats the max you can push the ram too, remeber you can only goto 3 gb of ram with XP 32 bit.

iano · 04-16-2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathan68

adding more ram is still the easiest thing you can do to any computer to give it a little more pep. windows XP will take about 1/4 of that 1 gb you have just to run windows sitting there at idle. you were heading in the right direction by turning off unused things to try and gain more ram. adding more ram won't hurt anything and yes it will help out when you have alot of things running at the same time.

whats the max you can push the ram too, remeber you can only goto 3 gb of ram with XP 32 bit.

Thanks for that jonathan. I'll open a thread in the relevant forum to find out the best way to go about this.

**wrench97** · 04-16-2009, 03:16 PM

Your in the right place now:)

What model Compaq? I always find it best to use a configuration utility at the Ram manufacturers web site, then use the part number to Google the best price.> Corsair , Crucial , OCZ

iano · 04-16-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrench97

Your in the right place now:)

Grand! I thought it might be a bit too teccy for a software forum.

Quote:

What model Compaq?

Dunno exactly. The Corsair site seems to respond to info in orange below (which appears as "product:" on the badge on the back my tower.)

Quote:

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
System Manufacturer: Compaq Presario 061
System Model: EG762AA-ABU SR1629UK GB540
BIOS: BIOS Date: 10/27/05 10:42:48 Ver: 08.00.12
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.06GHz
Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 521MB used, 1939MB available

Assuming that that's sufficient to identify the RAM required correctly then I get what you mean by using a configuration utility then shopping around. Am I on the track you suggest?

Thanks..

**wrench97** · 04-17-2009, 01:33 AM

Yes that is exactly what I meant

iano · 04-17-2009, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrench97

Yes that is exactly what I meant

*Thumbs up*

What I now can't believe is how they manage to sell these cards - will all those hi-tech componants - for $15 each. Astounding!

Thanks for the solution Wrench

04-16-2009, 04:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
iano Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 38 OS: xp sp3	Should I add more RAM Hallo there, I'm running XP Home on a Compaq desktop (3.06GHz/1Mb). Under normal circumstances there'll be 2 accounts logged on with multiple windows open in each (multiple internet tabs, Word, Excel, etc). RAM usage under these circumstances sits at 70-75% (after having trimmed things down in the startup folder) Although RAM usage never hits 100% I notice the PC to be a little less "bright" in terms of it's response under these conditions compared to when the RAM load is light - say with just a single account open and perhaps an internet tab or two. RAM usage with just the desktop showing is about 40% btw. The question is whether there is anything to be gained by adding more RAM - say by moving up to 2Gb? Would I see performance improvement or should I wait until RAM is pegging out in the 90%'s before changing up. Thanks

04-16-2009, 06:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
jonathan68 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 153 OS: Vista Home Premium SP2 My System	Re: Should I add more RAM adding more ram is still the easiest thing you can do to any computer to give it a little more pep. windows XP will take about 1/4 of that 1 gb you have just to run windows sitting there at idle. you were heading in the right direction by turning off unused things to try and gain more ram. adding more ram won't hurt anything and yes it will help out when you have alot of things running at the same time. whats the max you can push the ram too, remeber you can only goto 3 gb of ram with XP 32 bit.

04-16-2009, 03:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,621 OS: Win7	Re: Should I add more RAM Your in the right place now:) What model Compaq? I always find it best to use a configuration utility at the Ram manufacturers web site, then use the part number to Google the best price.> Corsair , Crucial , OCZ __________________ Power Supply and Selection

04-17-2009, 01:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,621 OS: Win7	Re: Should I add more RAM Yes that is exactly what I meant __________________ Power Supply and Selection