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Adding 512MB Ram to 256MB system.

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by VaCcAr0, 2010/07/13.

  1. 2010/07/13
    VaCcAr0

    VaCcAr0 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    So my mom has a 6 year old Dell Dimension 2400 computer which is so slow. The main problem is there is hardly any RAM, she only has 256MB. I went to datamemorysystems.com and bought her 512MB of RAM to add to the 256MB (it's a birthday present, she's probably not even going to know what I bought her).
    Keep in mind, she is a very basic user. Only goes online to check e-mail and a few websites. My question is what kind of a performance and speed increase do you think she'll see when we upgrade her from 256MB of ram to 768MB? A lot or little?
     
    VaCcAr0,
    #1
  2. 2010/07/13
    Whiskeyman Lifetime Subscription

    Whiskeyman Inactive Alumni

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    I have been running 768MB of RAM on my XP PC for several years. it performs just fine.
     
    Whiskeyman,
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  4. 2010/07/13
    ephemarial

    ephemarial Well-Known Member

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    Noticeable speed difference between 256 and 512MB or higher with XP will be dramatic.
     
    ephemarial,
    #3
  5. 2010/07/14
    VaCcAr0

    VaCcAr0 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I know that it's best touch metal before you work with memory. Is there a specific way I need to hold it? Should I wear gloves or is touching the metal enough? And what is the best way to open the antistatic bag?
     
    VaCcAr0,
    #4
  6. 2010/07/14
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Power down the computer and disconnect from the main power supply. Open up the case and blow out the memory slot you intend to use to remove any dust.

    Pull the retaining clips at each end of the memory slot outwards

    Open the antistatic bag with scissors - carefully :)

    Slide out the RAM module onto a non-conducting surface wothout touching the module.

    Note the position of the cutout in the module contacts and relate to the RAM slot

    Pick up the module by the edges of the circuit board - do not touch any of the components - and place in the motherboard slot, checking alignment as above.

    Press home until the retaining clips lock into place - job done :)

    No gloves required, but earthing yourself to the metal of the case is essential.
     
    PeteC,
    #5
  7. 2010/07/14
    VaCcAr0

    VaCcAr0 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks.
     
    VaCcAr0,
    #6
  8. 2010/07/24
    VaCcAr0

    VaCcAr0 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Before I install the RAM, should I readjust the /MAXMEM in boot.ini? Because right now it says 254. Should I change that to 1024 since I'm going to upgrade to 1GB?
     
    VaCcAr0,
    #7
  9. 2010/07/24
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    PeteC,
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  10. 2010/07/24
    ephemarial

    ephemarial Well-Known Member

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    Referencing the link provided by Pete – and the Microsoft KB article in there – my opinion would be to delete the MAXMEM switch.

    Except in rare cases with a server and for troubleshooting, it serves no useful purpose.

    Since /MAXMEM causes Windows to look for a continious block of memory, it may end end up limiting the available memory below what's installed. Even when set right.
     
    ephemarial,
    #9

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