Libra63
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posted on August 14, 2001 03:58:11 PM new
About a week ago we had a discussion about Memory. The company has extended their free shipping until August 20th so I would like to ask the computer experts a question. I have 32MB in my computer now. I have 3 slots for more memory should I get another 32 or 64 or any other suggestions. I have to go out for supper but will return in about 1 hour.
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nedtrader
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posted on August 14, 2001 04:01:01 PM new
Definitely get another 96mb (3 slots of 32). SDRAM is super cheap, and you'll notice the performance gain immediately.
- ned
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skeetypete
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posted on August 14, 2001 04:20:58 PM new
go to pricewatch.com and do a search for ram.
the way ram is priced i personally think its crazy not to have 256 mb.
maximum pc did a test and concluded 256 is the max a p3 system would ever use and really that 256 might even be a bit much for normal users. it does come in handy when multi tasking with multimedia utilities they said.
i just purchased a 256mb chip for $42 plus $12 shipping, yes a bit much for shipping but even with that i got 256mb for $54....i added that to my 256 i already had and noticed a difference when i really worked it hard...... t tend to burn cd's, dwnload music, and manipulate photos at the same time. the difference was noticeable but i think the biggest difference was when i went from 128 to 256................
why not load up...check out pricewatch
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MurphyBird
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posted on August 14, 2001 04:26:08 PM new
Before you buy alot more memory, check with your computer manufactuer or your manual to see how much memory your computer can handle. Wouldn't want you to buy it and then can't use it.
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janusaries
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posted on August 14, 2001 06:45:39 PM new
I run a lot of memory-intensive applications
(the worst one being digital video editing),
and was thrilled when I could finally afford to "stuff" the motherboards on both my machines with more RAM--I went from 128 MB to 640 MB on one and 768 MB on the other. But this is probably 'way overkill for most people.
The only advice I was given re buying RAM was to try not to mix bus speeds (find out if it's PC-100 or PC-133 or whatever that your machine requires and that you're buying, and have all your memory the same speed). According to geek.com, PC-133 RAM *will* work in older PC-100 computers; they'll just run at the slower speed. And some motherboards have "paired" slots that want the same amount of RAM in each. Both my machines had 3-slot motherboards, and this was not an issue, but you should check.
Good luck with your upgrade!
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gc2
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posted on August 14, 2001 06:51:14 PM new
Uh...about those 'slots'...How do you tell what it will accomodate?
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wbbell
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posted on August 14, 2001 08:11:16 PM new
Go to crucial.com and use their configurator to figure out what you need.
Great service and good prices.
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Libra63
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posted on August 14, 2001 10:18:24 PM new
Thanks everyone. I did go to Crucial.com and that is a very helpful site. All you do is enter the model number and the kind of computer and there is all the information that you need. If I want to put in 96MG I have to do it in two parts so I think I am going to put in 64mg as there is 32 in there already. There is still room for more but I don't do a heck of a lot so I am sure that will be plenty. I mainly read and download very little. I just want it to last a little longer when I am on. It also says that if both PC 100 and PC 133 are listed, use PC100 for better performance. Shipping is free at that site until August 20. Thanks again for all your help. gc2 Go to Crucial.com and find out a whole lot of information about your computer.
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timetravelers
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posted on August 15, 2001 01:52:10 AM new
thanks great info.i got like 600 email last week..& then i got an error virtual memory low..till i can figure this out i am only on because of the rambooster site..has really been a life saver in a pinch..with auctions running etc. thanks again
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Meya
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posted on August 15, 2001 04:37:26 AM new
timetraveler, it sounds like perhaps your hard drive is very full with not enough room for your Windows swap file to increase when needed. Virtual memory is not talking about the ram chips you have on your system.
How large is your hard drive and how much free space does it have?
Try deleting the temporary internet files, history files, empty out the Windows/Temp folder and then run a scan disk and a defrag. Delete any unecessary files, picture files, anything you don't need anymore. If you have programs installed you don't use, uninstall them. Maybe you're just running out of room?
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captainkirk
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posted on August 15, 2001 12:38:02 PM new
To anyone considering upgrading memory, decide how much you think you need, and price that option plus 64 or 128 mem more. The way prices are going, there often isn't much price difference between alternatives, especially when there are rebates, fixed shipping costs, etc.
Memory prices are forecasted to remain low for awhile still.
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soldat2
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posted on August 15, 2001 02:39:07 PM new
You really can't afford NOT to add SDRAM right now.....
....I just got another 128MB for $29.99 at BB, plus it comes with a mail in rebate for $10.00!
You might even save a buck via mail order, but $20.00 for 128MB ain't too bad.
(although I wouldn't bet mail order is any cheaper anyway)
This is the exact same board/same place I paid $79.00 for not that long ago!
Memory chips are down for the forseeable future.......next is the P4 chip in a month or so! (50% or more!)
Can't wait!
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timetravelers
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posted on August 15, 2001 03:02:38 PM new
Thanks Meya, i'll tell my son he is the computer brain, i just do the auctions LOL
I think he did all this,said he has a HUge amount of memory on this monster..weird..i did see a couple of others mention this same EXACT thing the same time..on other auction message boards..but will note your helpful info & ask him..gotta learn more about this machine,but too busy listing..LOL till we figure it out that rambooster site apparently has saved me..LOL thanks great info here you guys ROCK
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mballai
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posted on August 16, 2001 08:40:53 AM new
If your computer can use more memory, don't hold back! If I was ordering again, I might have ordered another 128mb stick even if it meant sacrificing the 64mb one in my machine.
(I might still do it, just not in the mood to...)
See how much your machine can accommodate and then fill up all the slots with as much as it can use. I have 96mb in my PowerMac and I consider that still anemic.
If you are buying a new machine, go with 512mb and some spare slots. You won't regret it.
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godzillatemple
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posted on August 16, 2001 10:46:10 AM new
Try some Ginko Biloba. I'm told it does wonders....
---
The opinions expressed above are for comparison purposes only. Your mileage may vary....
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soldat2
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posted on August 16, 2001 12:30:30 PM new
>I might have ordered another 128mb stick even if it meant sacrificing the 64mb one in my machine<
I may do that also. The first stick in our computer is a 64MB, the other two slots have 128 in each. To add any more, I have to remove the original 64.
$20.00 (after a $10 rebate) for 128MB (even if I only use half) is still a good deal.
mballai
Just wondering how much your 128 cost via mail order???
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mballai
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posted on August 16, 2001 05:53:56 PM new
I am sure I overpaid a bit, but the 128mb was about $50 shipped overnight. I could get the same for about $30 or so. I was happy because I was still paying half of what it cost maybe a year ago, my computer's performance was now fantastic, and I got a nice box to ship an order out with too! I figured
I really saved maybe $900 as I was starting to itch for a new computer in a bad way.
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soldat2
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posted on August 16, 2001 07:09:17 PM new
Weird sort of irory......
....I just purchase another 128MB card for about 1/3 the cost of the previous one. We fill out the rebate form to mail today and in the mail comes the $20.00 rebate from the last one!
So, by the time that we get todays $10.00 rebate another 128MB card should cost about $6.00!
(and I am still iching for a new computer, regardless)
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mballai
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posted on August 17, 2001 05:53:44 AM new
I think the itch is the precursor to the burning sensation in one's wallet.
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soldat2
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posted on August 17, 2001 09:49:38 AM new
>I think the itch is the precursor to the burning sensation in one's wallet.>
Thank goodness....
....I figured the "burning sensation" by my wallet was from the Jack Daniels sauce on the ribs last night!
(I knew that it wasn't the Corona......)
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mballai
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posted on August 17, 2001 02:13:58 PM new
Well my mood has changed. Crucial is offering free 2nd day shipping and the price of 128mb is a mere $20.00. I don't know how much of a performance boost this would be over my present 192mb, but my mood is brightly positive.
I'm sure the orphaned 64mb will find a good home too.
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mballai
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posted on August 20, 2001 07:21:47 PM new
Well my 128mb arrived this morning and I am doing a happy dance. The extra 64mb (after replacing the orig 64 stick)makes a difference. I find it hard to believe that going from 192 to 256mb on Win 98 would benefit in a discernible way, but it does run snappier and a tiny bit faster. Of course the difference between 64 and 256 is like putting your computer on steroids. My only regrets is not doing this a lot sooner.
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soldat2
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posted on August 20, 2001 08:10:28 PM new
We're currently at 320MB RAM, thinking about dumping the 64 board in favor of another 128MB one. Don't know if it will make a difference but for $20.00 I almost HAVE to do it!
(I wish it was this easy to upgrade the hard drive ...............we're painfully low on room in there! Less than 2GB left)
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paperfan
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posted on August 22, 2001 01:31:35 PM new
I had to come back to this thread and thank everyone that posted here about the need for more memory and the Crucial website.
I ordered a single 256MB board on Monday and got the free 2 day shipping. My memory arrived about 30 minutes ago. I have a Dell Inspiron 3800 laptop. I had 128 MB in two slots (64 each). I went to the Dell site and read the online documentation about installing memory. Then I powered down the computer, flipped open the memory hatch, pulled the little tabs back and the memory board popped up just like they said it would. I slid out the old board and slipped in the new one. Snapped the hatch back on, turned the computer back over and powered on.
The computer immediately recognized the new memory. After Windows loaded, I started opening programs. I use Eudora and SAPro, two notorious memory hogs. I opened Eudora, Netscape, IE, SAPro, Dazzle and Paint Shop Pro. Just to make it interesting, I also opened several jpg's in PSPro. Never have I been able to have that many programs open at once, especially with Eudora and SAPro. Usually, SAPro will start to "black out." I'm estatic!
I went from 128MB to 310 MB. I had to remove one of the 64's because I only have two slots. Maybe next month I'll get another 256MB board and I'll have 512MB which is the maximum the system will take. I saved $100 from the price of the Dell 256MB board.
I couldn't believe how easy it was. Honestly, it took me just as long to open the package the memory came in as it did to install it.
I wanted to come back here and thank everybody. If it wasn't for AW and EO I'm sure I never would have "just gone and done it!"
I forgot to mention that the board cost $52.47 including sales tax which they charge in my state. What an incredible value. Also, when I told my 79 year old dad about it he said he wished he could install some new memory for that price.
[ edited by paperfan on Aug 22, 2001 01:35 PM ]
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mballai
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posted on August 22, 2001 02:08:44 PM new
I've been telling people around my office about this and they are getting online and ordering too. It's a bit harder to open up some computers and get the memory installed, but it is still the single best thing you can do to improve their performance.
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