How much memory (RAM) do you have installed?

Any more specific problems? BTW, someone stole your ",<" key

 

I'm running 3GB so I don't know why a machine would have trouble w/ 3GB.

 

Hi Started chasing why and ended up with it needs - flashing the bios ( i think ) seems my computer needs a update so it will take all the cards i bought. One day i will get around to it but working 60 + at present so happy it works on 2GB. Many thanks for the interest in my problem.

 

All computers running XP Home/32 bit - SP3

1 month old Netbook -- 2GB DDR2
1 year old home build - 4GB DDR2
2 year old HP desktop - 2GB DDR2
7 year old local build -- 1GB DDR

 

4 Gb running on Windows Vista x32 ( x64 version is a pain in the as* if you use a fingerprint reader made by MICROSOFT-like me, and some other small things ... )

1 Gb on a AcerASpireOne - running Windows 7

 

That's perfect Arie!
Now I get it - thx.

 

between home and work:
ExDesktop: 1GB (it died this morning)
Desktop: 2GB
Laptop: 1GB
2 Laptops: 2GB

hmm Idk why i voted 513 - 1024 MB.

 

Somebody send Lis some spare RAM - reporting has <256Mb!

 

Not all RAM available??

I recently had another "stick" of RAM installed in my computer, but after checking the properties, it only shows 992MB. I thought whatever was installed (by my brother-in-law) was the same size/type that was already in my computer, thus "doubling" what I previously had.

Why isn't is showing a 1GB (as I'm guessing that's what it should be now?). I haven't called him to ask him about it, but was just curious as to why it isn't all showing or don't they always?

Thanks!
Vicki

 

I've installed 4gb on my laptop running Vista and have 1gb on my home computer running Xp, despite this i'd still probably say they run at very similar speeds...

 

the "missing" RAM is probably being used by ur gfx card

 

Since 1024 - 992 = 32Mb, a common amount stolen from system RAM for on-board graphics processing, I agree. That is why replacing on-board graphics with just about any graphics card will yield noticeable performance gains - not only do you typically get a better GPU, but the board has it's own dedicated RAM for graphics, freeing up the system RAM previous stolen by the on-board GPU.

 

sorry about that (I was still under shock from a total system failure)

I was referring to Vicki's "missing" 8 Mb of RAM, it is probably allocated to her graphics card which I am assuming is built in the mother board.

 

Thanks!

Thanks everyone for your explanation to my "missing" RAM! I doubt that I'll be doing anything too soon about replacing the graphics card to free up any of that RAM. I really don't do a whole lot with my computer, just basically do some reading on the internet and send e-mails to family and friends.

Thanks again!
Vicki

 

You can get a pretty good graphics card dirt cheap these days, so it may be worth a look.
In any event at least your question was answered.

 

If you are happy with your current setup, then I agree you don't need to rush out and do anything - just keep the system clean of heat trapping dust and free of malware and it should last for some time.

But, 32Mb of RAM for graphics is not very much these days, in this graphics oriented, and Internet connected world. So much of "reading on the internet" is graphics oriented too. If you are on Cable or DSL, most web pages should almost "pop" open. As I said above,

There's more. Because the CPU and Windows now have that extra 32Mb back, and the graphics card has its own RAM, the Page File on the slow hard drive will not be needed quite as often, easing up another potential bottleneck.

Definitely, should you decide to upgrade to a larger and/or widescreen monitor, you should get a new card, one that supports digital video via a DVI or HDMI connection. Note you can get a decent PCI video card for $50USD - the Sparkle GeForce 8400GS 256Mb DVI is a good example. 128Mb cards are less, but you get less gain too. Virtually all motherboards support PCI. If your motherboard supports AGP graphics, you have dozens of options - which you can ask about when the time comes.

There could be one downside to adding a card - cards tend to require more power than on-board graphics. This may necessitate budgeting for a new power supply as well. Replacing power supplies is easier than graphics cards, but a little more physically challenging, often requiring strategic and precise placement of cables (and lingua matter - ) to minimize restricting front to back air flow. But Windows could care less about power supplies, so there are no drivers to install. You don't have to spend a fortune for a good supply - just stay away from no-name, off-brand, generics that sound like a bargain. A good UPS with AVR will help extend the life of the computer too.

If this is still something you feel you would rather leave to a professional, any reputable PC technician could replace a power supply, install a graphics card and setup the new graphics drivers within 1 hour of labor - assuming all is fine with the computer otherwise.

If the computer is full of dust, hair, smoke, dander - and all the critters that eat dander, cleaning could take it into 2 hours labor charges.