Upgrading RAM have question

tukai · 06-22-2008, 07:22 PM

My PC only has 1 gig of ram. I want to get an extra gig to see if it will increase the performance. How can I tell what what speed or type of ram I have so I can make sure I purchase something compatible please.

bibby · 06-22-2008, 07:31 PM

Take it out, and look at it, it will say somehting like 1GB DDR PC3200, 1GB DDR2 PC4200, 1GB PC-133. Reply back with what it says, and we can help you find some.

***msjwild3*** · 06-22-2008, 07:33 PM

Download this program

SIW | System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala

Don't even have to install it.

***darna*** · 06-22-2008, 09:34 PM

upgrading ram is so much easier now, just go here: Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com and you're done.

tukai · 06-22-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bibby

Take it out, and look at it, it will say somehting like 1GB DDR PC3200, 1GB DDR2 PC4200, 1GB PC-133. Reply back with what it says, and we can help you find some.

I opened it up this is what my wife's ram shows

512MB 1RX8 PC2-4200U-444-10-A1

PC is over 3 years old and gives no problems. I just want to see if we got her some more ram if a few apps would run faster. Any suggestions on where to more compatible ram?

zumzumzoom · 06-23-2008, 10:47 AM

If you have 1 gig of ram that should be plenty unless you are running Vista. If it's only 512 mb than you may need more but for the common user that is enough unless the system has a lot of junk running in the background.

Hit ctrl alt delt and go to task manager. Click on the performance tab and tell us what PF Usage is and CPU Usage. That can help determine if it's the memory that is the bottle neck or the processor speed.

skiddy · 06-23-2008, 11:25 AM

A great program for future use:

CPUID

Looks like you have DDR2... that stuff is dirt cheap right now. You can pick up 2GB online or at Fry's for $30-40.

FunkPnut · 06-23-2008, 11:58 AM

You might consider just getting a new set of RAM sticks (IE 2 x 512 MB PC4200). If you get a set, they will come matched and be able to run in dual channel mode. RAM is so cheap nowadays.

What apps are you trying to boost performance in?

My other thought is if you haven't reformatted your hard drive and reinstalled Windows in the last 3 years, you might be presently surprised what that will do, depending on how clean you keep your system.

deestylez · 06-23-2008, 12:10 PM

I have 3 gb of ram and its still not enough

lol

Duce2k · 06-23-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darna

upgrading ram is so much easier now, just go here: Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com and you're done.

tukai · 06-23-2008, 01:00 PM

^ i used that test and I think I'm going to buy this ram here:

PNY - Optima 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 DIMM Memory - D1GX53OPT

It seems to be compatable with my wifes pc and mine as well(which is an exact match). I'll pick up 4 sticks and put 2 in each pc. Based on the ram spec I gave (2 sticks of 512MB 1RX8 PC2-4200U-444-10-A1), do you think this will be ok with it?

FunkPnut · 06-23-2008, 01:47 PM

If its compatible with your computer, then yes.

However, since you're going to buy two RAM modules for each computer, you should just buy a matched set to take advantage of dual channel.

Plus its generally cheaper:

Newegg.com - Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Newegg.com - PNY Optima 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

***darna*** · 06-23-2008, 02:12 PM

havent heard much about optima brand so it's up to you. my advice is go with the best out there like OWC, Crucial, Corsair, kingston or even G-Skill.

MellowGato · 06-23-2008, 02:55 PM

try tigerdirect.com as well. They are always running specials on ram.

skiddy · 06-23-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkPnut

If its compatible with your computer, then yes.

However, since you're going to buy two RAM modules for each computer, you should just buy a matched set to take advantage of dual channel.
[/url]

You can still run dual channel without a matched pair.

tukai · 06-23-2008, 04:14 PM

I think i will pick them up from best buy on the way home. I rather buy everything online, but if these are not compatable it's much easier to return them. Plus I have about 2500 points saved up on their rewards program.

FunkPnut · 06-23-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiddy

You can still run dual channel without a matched pair.

True. I was thinking like a PC2 4200 module and PC2 5300 module. Since the new RAM modules are the same specs, it should do dual.

IME, some motherboards will just not run without a certified matched set or without instability issues (mainly with some of my previous ASUS boards for some reason).

tukai · 06-23-2008, 07:15 PM

Both of the PC's had no problems with the new ram. Each one went from having 2 512mb sticks to have 2 512mb sticks and 2 1GB sticks for a 3GB total. Thanks for all of the help

FunkPnut · 06-23-2008, 07:27 PM

Now you should have no problems opening up Excel, LOL

06-22-2008, 07:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
tukai Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Str8 90210 gangsta! Age: 31 Posts: 1,729 tukai iTrader: 1 / 100%	Upgrading RAM have question My PC only has 1 gig of ram. I want to get an extra gig to see if it will increase the performance. How can I tell what what speed or type of ram I have so I can make sure I purchase something compatible please.

06-22-2008, 09:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
*darna* WooooHooooo Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Disneyland Age: 34 Posts: 4,381 Christian iTrader: 7 / 100%	upgrading ram is so much easier now, just go here: Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com and you're done. __________________ *The last time I was inside a woman was when I went to the Statue of Liberty*

06-23-2008, 11:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
skiddy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Age: 24 Posts: 410 Ryan iTrader: 0 / 0%	A great program for future use: CPUID Looks like you have DDR2... that stuff is dirt cheap right now. You can pick up 2GB online or at Fry's for $30-40. Last edited by skiddy; 06-23-2008 at 11:27 AM.

06-23-2008, 02:12 PM	#13 (permalink)
*darna* WooooHooooo Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Disneyland Age: 34 Posts: 4,381 Christian iTrader: 7 / 100%	havent heard much about optima brand so it's up to you. my advice is go with the best out there like OWC, Crucial, Corsair, kingston or even G-Skill. __________________ *The last time I was inside a woman was when I went to the Statue of Liberty*

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06-22-2008, 07:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
bibby Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: AR Posts: 203 bibby iTrader: 1 / 100%	Take it out, and look at it, it will say somehting like 1GB DDR PC3200, 1GB DDR2 PC4200, 1GB PC-133. Reply back with what it says, and we can help you find some.

06-22-2008, 07:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
*msjwild3* 8th Civic Addict Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Winnipeg, MB Age: 20 Posts: 2,489 Ryan iTrader: 2 / 100%	Download this program SIW \| System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala Don't even have to install it.

06-23-2008, 10:47 AM	#6 (permalink)
zumzumzoom Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 239 iTrader: 0 / 0%	If you have 1 gig of ram that should be plenty unless you are running Vista. If it's only 512 mb than you may need more but for the common user that is enough unless the system has a lot of junk running in the background. Hit ctrl alt delt and go to task manager. Click on the performance tab and tell us what PF Usage is and CPU Usage. That can help determine if it's the memory that is the bottle neck or the processor speed.

06-23-2008, 11:58 AM	#8 (permalink)
FunkPnut Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Age: 26 Posts: 263 @ndy iTrader: 1 / 100%	You might consider just getting a new set of RAM sticks (IE 2 x 512 MB PC4200). If you get a set, they will come matched and be able to run in dual channel mode. RAM is so cheap nowadays. What apps are you trying to boost performance in? My other thought is if you haven't reformatted your hard drive and reinstalled Windows in the last 3 years, you might be presently surprised what that will do, depending on how clean you keep your system.

06-23-2008, 12:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
deestylez Senior Member Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 1,872 David iTrader: 4 / 100%	I have 3 gb of ram and its still not enough lol

06-23-2008, 01:00 PM	#11 (permalink)
tukai Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Str8 90210 gangsta! Age: 31 Posts: 1,729 tukai iTrader: 1 / 100%	^ i used that test and I think I'm going to buy this ram here: PNY - Optima 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 DIMM Memory - D1GX53OPT It seems to be compatable with my wifes pc and mine as well(which is an exact match). I'll pick up 4 sticks and put 2 in each pc. Based on the ram spec I gave (2 sticks of 512MB 1RX8 PC2-4200U-444-10-A1), do you think this will be ok with it?

06-23-2008, 01:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
FunkPnut Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Age: 26 Posts: 263 @ndy iTrader: 1 / 100%	If its compatible with your computer, then yes. However, since you're going to buy two RAM modules for each computer, you should just buy a matched set to take advantage of dual channel. Plus its generally cheaper: Newegg.com - Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory Newegg.com - PNY Optima 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

06-23-2008, 02:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
MellowGato Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: in the slow lane Posts: 540 iTrader: 0 / 0%	try tigerdirect.com as well. They are always running specials on ram.

06-23-2008, 04:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
tukai Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Str8 90210 gangsta! Age: 31 Posts: 1,729 tukai iTrader: 1 / 100%	I think i will pick them up from best buy on the way home. I rather buy everything online, but if these are not compatable it's much easier to return them. Plus I have about 2500 points saved up on their rewards program.

06-23-2008, 07:15 PM	#18 (permalink)
tukai Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Str8 90210 gangsta! Age: 31 Posts: 1,729 tukai iTrader: 1 / 100%	Both of the PC's had no problems with the new ram. Each one went from having 2 512mb sticks to have 2 512mb sticks and 2 1GB sticks for a 3GB total. Thanks for all of the help

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