how do i determine what memory size my computer is?

[Sith]

I want to upgrade my computer but i don't know how
to detemine the correct memory size?64RM? How do I upgrade?

[Rossgr]

Before we can help you with specifics you will need to post more info about your system. What operating system do you have, what processor do you have, roughly how old is your system, how much memory do you currently have, how much memory will your motherboard support.

There really is not a "correct" ammount of memory for a system. There is a mimimum amount which is determined by the operating system and the software you need to run, there is a maximum amount determined by your system hardware. Since Win98 does not use over 128MB of memory well it is not clear that haveing more then that in your system is cost effective. I would say that you need to find out how much memory you currently have then you will be able to figure out what it you need to get to 128MB. But before we can help you find this info you need to provide the above information.

You may want to read more of the information on this site concerning system memory.

[Paleo Pete]

If you're running Windows 95 or 98 and a Pentium CPU, for most home users 64MB is plenty. Many folks like all they can stuff in it, but I'm only running 32MB on my old P-200MMX and it runs fine. I've run it at 48MB and liked it very well. In general, 64MB is sufficient for most home use applications, and if you're not into serious gaming, 32MB will work. I didn't say 32MB would be terribly fast, but it will work. I have no trouble running MS Word, or any of the Office programs, IE 5.01 runs fine, Front Page works perfect, MS Publisher gives me no trouble at all. Quake runs great too. All the other games I've tried ran fine, Quake II was a bit rough, or jerky. Don't have it any more though...Then again I haven't tried any new games in about 2 years...

To add more, you remove the case cover with the computer turned OFF and locate the RAM chips. Plug in the new ones, replace the cover and you're set. Check the motherboard documentation to see what type memory it uses. It might be a good idea to look inside before you buy, and make sure you have physical slots open for more. If you don't have memory slots open you'll need to go to larger size individual chips. Mine, for instance has 4 slots for 72 pin SIMMS. All 4 are filled now, with 8MB chips. For me to upgrade to 64MB I have to get two 32MB chips, or four 16MB chips. Can't add to what I already have...Check inside and make sure you won't have the same problem.

Oh, sometimes you have to go into the BIOS and save changes, while actually changing nothing, just to let the BIOS see the new memory...

Check around, I have a link posted below with lots of computer info, no specific memory links, but some of the sites have plenty info. And a search of this site might help. Also search on infoseek, dogpile, google, or yahoo.

------------------
If you had everything...Where would you put it?

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[Sith]

Originally posted by Paleo Pete:
If you're running Windows 95 or 98 and a Pentium CPU, for most home users 64MB is plenty. Many folks like all they can stuff in it, but I'm only running 32MB on my old P-200MMX and it runs fine. I've run it at 48MB and liked it very well. In general, 64MB is sufficient for most home use applications, and if you're not into serious gaming, 32MB will work. I didn't say 32MB would be terribly fast, but it will work. I have no trouble running MS Word, or any of the Office programs, IE 5.01 runs fine, Front Page works perfect, MS Publisher gives me no trouble at all. Quake runs great too. All the other games I've tried ran fine, Quake II was a bit rough, or jerky. Don't have it any more though...Then again I haven't tried any new games in about 2 years...

To add more, you remove the case cover with the computer turned OFF and locate the RAM chips. Plug in the new ones, replace the cover and you're set. Check the motherboard documentation to see what type memory it uses. It might be a good idea to look inside before you buy, and make sure you have physical slots open for more. If you don't have memory slots open you'll need to go to larger size individual chips. Mine, for instance has 4 slots for 72 pin SIMMS. All 4 are filled now, with 8MB chips. For me to upgrade to 64MB I have to get two 32MB chips, or four 16MB chips. Can't add to what I already have...Check inside and make sure you won't have the same problem.

Oh, sometimes you have to go into the BIOS and save changes, while actually changing nothing, just to let the BIOS see the new memory...

Check around, I have a link posted below with lots of computer info, no specific memory links, but some of the sites have plenty info. And a search of this site might help. Also search on infoseek, dogpile, google, or yahoo.


Thanks for your help everyone. I'll try to see what kind of memory my computer already has. when I click my computer on my desktop. This is what i see. (capacity: 6.32GB)I have 4.58GB remaining. I don't know if that helps. Perhaps once i find the documention i will be able to determine what i need. My computer is only a year old. My main concern is that the space won't be enough for the programs i plan to add on. My computer ins't as fast as it use to be.
Please email me if you have any further advice for me. Thanks.

[Paleo Pete]

That is your hard drive space. You have a 6.3GB (gig) hard drive with 4.58GB hard drive space free. To see how much RAM memory you have: Start\Settings\Control Panel\System and click the Performance tab. That will tell you how much memory is in the system. Hard drive is memory also, but a different type. RAM is also counted up when you start the system, during the second screen. The first screen is usually the video BIOS information.

RAM is Random Access Memory. This means it stores data for temporary use by programs, and all data stored is lost when the computer is turned off, or different data is written to memory after the program is through with it.

Hard drive is WORM or Write Once Read Many memory. That means it writes the data to the drive and it stays there until you delete it. But it can be read as many times as you need until it is deleted. More commonly referred to as permanent memory.


Computers usually do slow down with use, as more programs are added. Fragmentation can also slow it down. To resolve this, run the disk defragmenter about once a week. Turn off all open programs before running defrag. You can right click on anything in the task bar and close it, and Ctrl + Alt + Del will bring up the task manager. End Task will close the application that is highlighted. Do not turn off Explorer, Systray, rundll, or rundll32 if they are running. Explorer and Systray are always running. Everything else can go, then reboot after running defrag, and it will all be back. ALso disable Power Management and/or screensavers. Anything running in the background can cause defrag to restart every few minutes, by accessing the hard drive, and it will never finish.

Taking unnecessary programs out of the Start Up folder can also help speed up the computer. I always remove Find Fast, it is notorious for slowing things down.

------------------
If you had everything...Where would you put it?

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[This message has been edited by Paleo Pete (edited 09-27-2000).]

[Sith]

Originally posted by Paleo Pete:
That is your hard drive space. You have a 6.3GB (gig) hard drive with 4.58GB hard drive space free. To see how much RAM memory you have: Start\Settings\Control Panel\System and click the Performance tab. That will tell you how much memory is in the system. Hard drive is memory also, but a different type. RAM is also counted up when you start the system, during the second screen. The first screen is usually the video BIOS information.

RAM is Random Access Memory. This means it stores data for temporary use by programs, and all data stored is lost when the computer is turned off, or different data is written to memory after the program is through with it.

Hard drive is WORM or Write Once Read Many memory. That means it writes the data to the drive and it stays there until you delete it. But it can be read as many times as you need until it is deleted. More commonly referred to as permanent memory.


Computers usually do slow down with use, as more programs are added. Fragmentation can also slow it down. To resolve this, run the disk defragmenter about once a week. Turn off all open programs before running defrag. You can right click on anything in the task bar and close it, and Ctrl + Alt + Del will bring up the task manager. End Task will close the application that is highlighted. Do not turn off Explorer, Systray, rundll, or rundll32 if they are running. Explorer and Systray are always running. Everything else can go, then reboot after running defrag, and it will all be back. ALso disable Power Management and/or screensavers. Anything running in the background can cause defrag to restart every few minutes, by accessing the hard drive, and it will never finish.

Taking unnecessary programs out of the Start Up folder can also help speed up the computer. I always remove Find Fast, it is notorious for slowing things down.


ok i have 64.0MB of RAM, 36%free/virtual memory is 32-bit. So how do i upgrade? I plan to put alot more programs into this computer, for drawing and writing.

[Paleo Pete]

Charles emailed me and corrected me, WORM refers to CD media, not hard drives, sorry...gotta quit staying here till I'm dingy...Hard drive is just permanent or long term data storage.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

OK, first, I'm still not sure what you're asking for...

Next, please reply using the reply button below the posts, instead of the reply with quote link at the top of them. Makes it a very long post that way...I also had to edit since I didn't realize your post was a quote, and not my original. This thing scrolls down to the bottom automatically, and I thought I was reading my last post, and just skimmed it...couldn't see the name on it...

Upgrading usually means you add more memory (RAM) or a bigger hard drive (not really necessary for now, you have over 4 gig free) or switching to a faster CPU, which sometimes means a new motherboard as well.

Post full system specs, and we'll take it from there. What is the CPU now? I know you have 64 MB RAM, that's enough for most home use applications, and if you don't have a motherboard with a chipset that only allocates 64MB you could add more. Depends on what applications you run, and whether you run a lot of graphics intensive programs. Guess we mainly need to know what the CPU and video card are. Those would be the most common things to upgrade, along with memory, if you want either better performance, or better graphics.

------------------
If you had everything...Where would you put it?

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[This message has been edited by Paleo Pete (edited 09-28-2000).]