AVAILABLE MEMORY

[johntywino]

Hi, The total physical memory on my computer is 512 MB.When I first start up the available physical memory is around 52 to 90 MB. On checking when I close down it is around 140 to 204 MB....Does that sound about normal, and what can I remove to make more available memory?? Thanks in advance, John.

[ChuckFickens]

With 512Mb you don't remove anything, you need to add more memory.

windows XP struggles to run in 512MB of RAM, Newer versions of windows need a lot more than that, with the price of ram these days adding another 1GB will probably be about £30 and will make the computer a lot more responsive.

[RATTER15]

oh dear!! someone needs to buy some memory and see your PC wake up!

Like chuck says, get a gig and see the difference.

[johntywino]

Thats probably why it's so s.l.o.w. then ...Now then,as a pretty useless old codger, how do I find out what to get thats right for the machine, and how easy is it to fit them, and do I still keep the old one in? There appears to be 3 empty slots in the back of the thing ! ?

[ChuckFickens]

Run the system scanner here

http://www.crucial.com/uk/

It will tell you what sort of ram you need. You can order the RAM from crucial too if you want, they are not the cheapest but they are also not normally more than a few quid more than the cheapest and they are a very reliable company. I would add another 1GB and keep the 512MB in place too.

[RATTER15]

As Chuck says, but if you are not confident with doing this, pop into any PC shop and they will supply the ram and usually fit it for free while you wait.

[johntywino]

OK Crucial suggested 2 more 512s for £42.28 delivered.... How EASY are they to fit,and is it easy for me to coc* it up?

[ChuckFickens]

a single 1GB stick will work just as well, so if that option is a little cheaper you can go that route as well.

they are really easy to fit, firstly look at the row of connectors on the ram and you'll see an off centre slot cut into it, look at the socket and you'll see a little raised bit in the socket that matches the slot on the RAM, make sure you have the RAM the correct way round so the slot and and raised bit line up, then simply spread the two retaining clips either end apart and push the new RAM straight down into the slot, you need to push fairly hard, when the ram is in place the retaining clips will automatically click inwards to hold the RAM in place.

The slot and the retaining clips are pointed out by the arrows in this pic
http://www.dancetech....400_build_fit_ram.jpg

[johntywino]

Thanks a lot Chuck..If I can get Her Who Must Be Obeyed to approve the expense, I'll give it a go! Thanks again, John.