Resolved how much more ram for xp?

I have XP home, 512 mb ram

quite good for most computer functions (except Word and OpenOffice which can be really slow)

but sometimes my internet is slow at peak hour or with certain websites

I would like to add RAM to increase internet speed mainly

and would like to know how much more I can add

and pointers on what to buy (if there are different manufacturers)

and how to install

any comment appreciated.

 

As Steve says, the speed of your PC isn't relevant to the speed of your internet connection.

I'd suggest that you go to http://www.crucial.com and use their scanner to detect what memory you need and also what type of memory you need for your computer.

Personally, I always use Crucial and I always use their scanner - even if I'm sure what memory stick(s) are required. That way, if the wrong chips arrive in the mail, its their problem not yours and they're obliged then to replace the chips with the correct ones.

Also , you are most likely using XP - 32 Bit. This means that you won't be able to use more than 3.2 Gb of ram or thereabouts. So, if you get the option of an upgrade kit, don't go for more than a 3 Gb kit.

 

Crucial has given me the type of chip needed.

I have the Sony System Reference Manual with graphics and details on the motherboard-- "System Board" -- in a pdf.

"Memory Module DDR - DIMM "

The pdf says and Crucial says I have 2 slots, one empty. the Crucial scan recommends either 512mb chip for $18.99 or 256mb for $19.99. ( a 256mb chip costs more than a 512mb!).

If more RAM would not help internet at all, there is no reason to get it.

I cannot see the motherboard identified with a specific name.

If I need more info, how can my mobo be googled?

 

From what I read on Asus specs for your M/b, 1GB RAM is max = 2 x 512MB RAM
RAM is SDRAM PC2100 184pin 166MHZ. My experience is that XP SP3 will operate best with more RAM.
What you need to find out is whether the RAM is Registered (usually HP) ECC or non-ECC.
Bearing in mind the previous advice about Internet speed due to peak traffic useage, 512MB RAM is borderline for XP to operate with any speed.
Just my thoughts FWIW. Neil.

 

I just repeated the Crucial scan and both recommended chips are non-ECC.

 

Like I said above, using the scanner puts the onus on Crucial to get it right and, if they say thats what your MOBO supports, then thats it. End of discussion.

Going from 512Mb to 1Gb will, however, help your system immensely. I'd be very surprised if you didn't notice a significant improvement.

 

I just received the extra RAM in the mail.

The label says
512 MB 184-PIN DIMM 64MX64 DDR

What I ordered on their scan results page was:
512MB
DDR PC2700 "¢ CL=2.5 "¢ Unbuffered "¢ NON-ECC "¢ DDR333 "¢ 2.5V "¢ 64Meg x 64 "¢ "¢ Part #: CT522576

So I hope this is the same thing.

 

Crucial is recommending a BIOS upgrade before installing the memory.

Both the BIOS upgrades on the Sony site are dated 2002.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-home.pl?mdl=PCVRX650&LOC=3#/downloadTab

 

Thats a bit drastic to be honest. I've lost count of the number of memory upgrades I've done and I've only had to do a BIOS upgrade once. I'd also expect to see a significant upgrade of the amount of memory I could add with a BIOS upgrade - at least up to 4Gb.

Personally, although I've done numerous BIOS upgrades, I generally shy away from doing them unless its absolutely necessary since if it goes wrong, you're throwing the MOBO in the nearest bin.

Have you tried to install the memory as it is? As Tony says, PC2700 is backward compatible with PC2100 and should work. If it won't work, you'll soon know and you're unlikely to damage the memory anyhow.

 

I've just looked and this BIOS upgrade is an "Update the system BIOS to improve system stability after resume from standby in the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System. "

This has nothing to do with memory capacity and unless you're experiencing the issue mentioned, I wouldn't upgrade.

 

there are two BIOS upgrades on that page.

This second one does not have that qualification, and it requires preparing a floppy.

I have some IBM-formatted floppies. When I have tried to format one, however, "My Computer" freezes.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=PCVRX650&upd_id=105&os_group_id=13

 

I couldn't agree more...

 

I have an eMachines box with two memory slots. According to the owner's manual, I can replace the single 512 stick with a 1G and put a second one in.

I bought a couple of sticks from Amazon, identified as specifically for AMD motherboards. I assumed that they would be compatible with my machine since it has an AMD processor, but they cause a lot of reboots that have not been requested so I conclude they're not really compatible. A $40 item on the learning curve, I guess!

I'll be going to Crucial and getting a pair as suggested by their scanning program.

With a new monitor, too, I'm hoping the old clunker eMachine will have another few years life left.

 

Not a good conclusion Frank.... Always use an online scanner to determine exactly what memory you need.

As regards a new lease of life, I always say to my clients that the single best upgrade to any computer is to install as much memory as the MOBO can handle. Is also usually not an expensive upgrade either.

 

Do we leave the white paper labels that are stuck on the RAM upgrade?

 

I managed to insert the new RAM chip in by the seat of my pants.

and in "My Computer" it now says "1.00 GB of RAM "

You would not believe how much dust was inside the computer tower. I could have knitted a sweater.