Should I add RAM? 4

[cian]

Hi guys,
i've HT Compaq laptop running WinXP home, it's got 256mb Ram, 1,6Ghz with 20Gb harddrive. I noticed it's gottn a little slower since I got it a few weeks ago.

I mainly use it for web design so on an average day i'm running an apache server, a html editor and 3-4 browsers all at the same time.

I want to get a little more speed/better performance from the machine so the question is if I double my RAM to 512mb will this give me a boost?

I'm looking for an easy option here






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[jrbarnett]

Hi,

To find this out:
Under a typical working load, right click an empty part of the task bar and left click on task manager, then activate the performance tab.
You can thenlook at the memory usage history, and the amount of paged memory - the amount the virtual memory.

John

 

[edemiere]

You should be some increase, but it's not like it's going to blow your socks off or anything.

More memory is seldom ever a "bad idea".

I have found personally that XP performs optimally at 512MB of RAM and anything over that is seriously put in the diminsihing returns category.

More than 512 isn't going to hurt you, especially if you are working with large sized graphics files or multimedia files.

But, to that end and to answer your question, yes, with Windows XP you should see some gains moving from 256 to 512.

Good luck!

 

[cian]

Jeez that was quick

Thanks for the feedback John & edemiere!!!
Think i'll go to 512 then.

Quick question, when I check the memory usage history, is there a guideline as to how much memory should be used, or rather what's the maximum I should be using?






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[AP81]

First off, tweak your system to the max. This means:
-no themes (use windows classic) then disable themes in your services (Start > Run > Type: service.msc)
-no visual effects (set it to optimized for best performance)
-stop all unecessary services from running (have a look at this website and read the whole page:

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm)

-use msconfig to disable any start up programs
-Turn off system restore
-Turn off Indexing for your drive(if you are using NTFS filesystem)
-Don't use any background wallpaper as this will only use more

Next, run a disk cleanup (Start > Programs > Accessories > Systems Tools > Disk Cleanup). Then do a defrag.

Since Laptop RAM is expensive, if you aren't going to add more RAM, I would try making your page file size bigger (try setting it to Min=768, Max=768)

Also do a Google search for "Windows XP" tweaks. Rummage through all the information you find and tweak your system as much as you can.

Q: What is the first thing to do after installing Windows XP?
A: Get more RAM

 

[cian]

Thanks AP81, actually I have already done many things on your list. More to do though. thanks for the link too i'll check it out asap.






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[paparazi]

A typical XP system, with your average number of apps loaded, will be accessing around 150plus megabytes of your precious 256mb module leaving 100mb or less for multitasking, YES! 512 is definately gonna make things run cleaner and give you a small performance boost.
As laptop memory is sooooo expensive another 128 maybe most cost effective but 256 prefered.
Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[cian]

Thanks Martin!





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[cian]

Hi again,

just another quick question if you don't mind?

I know nothing about RAM, obviously, so can you clarify something for me?
I was looking online for RAM and found some options,
question is how do I know what is compatible? what do I need to match up, is it SDRAM vs DIMM or is it the PCxxxx number??
I currently have...
"256mb DDR SDRAM, DDR266/PC2100, 133 MHz"

Some options I found:
1, 256MB DDR DIMM 266MHZ PC2100
2, 256MB SDRAM 133MHZ 16 CHP
3, 256MT DDR DIMM 333MHZ PC2700
4, 512MT DDR DIMM 266MHZ PC2100

Options taken from here:

http://www.pcsuperstore.fi/kategoria.html?category_id=10_3

Thanks again!




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[jrbarnett]

Hi,

The type of RAM in your laptop is DDR SDRAM.

Items 1 and 4 from your are of the correct type - they will work because they match the PCxxxx Rating (which dictates the speed).
Remember though that they need to be of the correct type. Common ones used at the moment are:

168 pin dimm - for desktops, normally SDRAM.
184 pin dimm - for desktops, normally DDR RAM.
SODIMM - small form factor, normally used in laptops and those mini systems that are now available.

RIMM - used for the expensive Rambus dram on P4 systems.

John

 

[AP81]

Your RAM is DDR RAM, PC2100 (266MHz). That means you should look for RAM which is PC2100.

PC2700 runs at 333Mhz and although will run in your system, it is best to get the proper RAM (PC2100). Also, go for a good quality RAM such as KingMax, Transcend, GEIL or Corsair. Most of these have a lifetime warranty and run better than generic RAM.

 

[cian]

Excellent John!! That's clear now, thanks a million, really appreciate your help!







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[cian]

Thanks AP81! Now cost is to only issue






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