Do I need more memory?

[Ev0la]

Hello, my desktop is quite slow. It has always been slow apparently, now that I think about it. It's an Athlon 64 processor 3500 (2.2ghz), 64 meg graphics card, 80 gb drive, and 448 mb of ram.


Do you think I should add more ram to it?

 

[newbie original]

Whenever my comp slows for whatever reason, I tell myself I need more memory. But always feel BETTER about not upgrading.

Really depends on what you use your machine for.

Also depends on what operating system you are using.

 

[Ev0la]

I'm running on Windows XP Media Edition. I usually use the computer to use AIM,MSN, word process. But i've realized it slows handling multiple tasks at once. That is why I thought I need more memory installed.

 

[Áļéאָ]

448? You have shared Gfx/RAM memory. This is one slowdown. Other than that, the real slowdown should only be when your computer starts using your HD for memory, you can that see from task man, when more than 400 ram megabytes are used. this computer is fine if what you do is just browse the internet, maybe store/listen music and maybe do some typing. Obviously it can't handle much more than that. Not good for 3d apps (doesnt have to be games) or multimedia editing. (and you proly can't play H264 vids on this computer without noticeable lag) IMO this computer isn't worth spending any more money. Get a new one or keep this one just the way it is.

 

[Ev0la]

448? You have shared Gfx/RAM memory. This is one slowdown. Other than that, the real slowdown should only be when your computer starts using your HD for memory, you can that see from task man, when more than 400 ram megabytes are used. this computer is fine if what you do is just browse the internet, maybe store/listen music and maybe do some typing. Obviously it can't handle much more than that. Not good for 3d apps (doesnt have to be games) or multimedia editing. (and you proly can't play H264 vids on this computer without noticeable lag) IMO this computer isn't worth spending any more money. Get a new one or keep this one just the way it is.

Well I sort of want it to run Micrsoft Office 2007 well. That is why I want to add more memory; upgrade it to 2GB perhaps since it has room to 4GB. I got the computer off ebay for 300 dollars an year ago. It came with a nice 19" LCD screen, so I think it was worth it. And I don't want to just buy another one. I just got this one really recently. = \

 

[Kibe Kru]

Office 2007 will run just fine with 512 MB, not really sure about 448. Surely a dedicated gfx can be bought real cheap these days if you opt for a geforce 6/radeon 9 series. Saving the money for a new pc would be my advice though.

 

[newbie original]

Yeah 512 MB would be good for Office 2007. So, you got a system with 4GB RAM capacity for 300$?

 

[Ev0la]

yes. My desktop specifications says that it's integrated graphics, but says it has a PCI Express x16 slot available.

 

[Áļéאָ]

Go get an extra 512 memory module and get a cheap gfx card. These shouldnt cost much and will improve your computer experience quite a lot.

 

[Ev0la]

Go get an extra 512 memory module and get a cheap gfx card. These shouldnt cost much and will improve your computer experience quite a lot.

How would I be able for the computer to detect the graphics card and not the intergrated graphics one? :P

 

[newbie original]

How would I be able for the computer to detect the graphics card and not the intergrated graphics one? :P

That CAN(not always) be quite a tricky process for a novice....depending on your motherboard (I think, in general), you would have to access your BIOS to make this change. I say it can get tricky because the new one might not be properly detected.

I did not have to do this with my computer....although it's old. I learnt the hard way. Like I said, it depends on your motherboard. Plus, accessing the BIOS can (if mishandled) lead to a problems like there's no tomorrow.

 

[Áļéאָ]

bah, changing bios cant harm, unless you're really stupid and change voltages and stuff like that.Normaly.. worse thing that could happen..? Having to remove that motherboard battery for a few secs in order to reset it.

Anyway, the only reason im suggesting a gfx card (any card, even the cheapest one currently in production) is that it's not a good thing, esp performance wise, to have shared ram on your computer.

 

[Ev0la]

Well, I am somewhat of a computer newb. I used to mistakingly reformat the wrong way--i.e installing windows xp twice on the same computer. Another time I installed Linux on it (ubuntu), and I was stuck with it for 3 years until one of aunt's friend, who is a technician, came over to install windows back.

Anyways, I'm going to give my specifications for my computer. They can be found here:http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?docname=c00702202&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

It's basically a Compaq Presario SR1923WM.

Thanks for any follow up

This other guy says: "Right click my computers, then go to properties. Once in properties, click Device Manager tab and look for display adpters. Once you find display adapters right click your integrated video card, and click properties. once in properties, look down at the bottom of the window, and you will see Device usage. Check the disable in this hardware box and uncheck exists in all hardware profiles, then click ok."