System slower with additional RAM

My computer is a Dell Dimension 2300 with a Celeron CPU, 1.80GHz. Recently I installed an additional 512 MB RAM ( total now 768 RAM), in order to run Dragon Naturally Speaking 7.0, and I am finding that the Windows XP seems to actually run more slowly than before. Under Systems Information it says Total Physical Memory 768 MB, Available Physical Memory anywhere from 480 to 510 MB, even though I don't have any programs open on the desktop. Any ideas what's going on here?

 

The more RAM you add the more resources are required to address that RAM. You MAY be exceeding the "sweet spot" for a Celeron 1.8G?
Remove the extra 256 and try running with 512.
Are you using 1x512 and 1x256 or 3x256 and is the RAM matched, as this could have a bearing on performance?
In system properties|performance options select custom and turn off most of the useless eye candy. I use only the following, which still retains the XP theme. I also turn off those annoying fade effect on the start menu as well.
show windows contents while...
smooth edges of screen...
use drop shadows for icon...
use visual styles on...

 

Hello hbreder,

I'm curious, what's the max ram that this system can run according to the system specs?

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks to all of you. It is funny; I had checked the specs in the owner's manual of my Dimension 2300 desktop. There it says minimum memory 128 MB and max 1GB! Anyway, I removed the 256 RAM module and it seems to be running faster. Also per Paul's suggestion I had removed the Windows XP eye candy first and that too seems to have speeded up the system somewhat. Thanks again!