new pc will extra ram help

scooter100_2

hi.
just bought a new pc which doesnt seem that great an improvement on the one it replaced.if i leave it on for a few hours everything im running seems to get a delay ie ill click on something and nothing will happen for a few seconds.if i upload some photos it comes up with something about lack of virtual memory.as soon as i switch off and start again its fine.is it a lack of ram?.it has 256 mb.if i were to add more ram would this invalidate the warrenty? or is it something completely different.most use is just internet.
thanks in advance.

Gentleman_of_leisure

This really depends on all sorts of things - but certainly, if you are using XP then while it will run after a fashion, with 256MB it crawls along. 512MB is generally recognised as a more acceptable minimum.

If you tell the guys here more about your machine though, I'm sure they'll get you sorted

wiraone

256MB is surely barely minimum to get your PC running. Add another 512MB (and 1GB module isn't that expensive either) to get a workable PC. Check your PC warranty if adding you own RAM invalidates it. Most PC makers allow you to add your own RAM without invalidating the warranty.

basill

I`ve come across a couple of sluggish (new) PCs lately, the one thing they all have in common is 256 Mb. I would recommend an upgrade to 512 Mb as a first step.
To find out what you need for an upgrade try a visit to http://www.crucial.com/uk/ You can use their Memory advisor or System scanner tools to identify the correct memory for your system.
Their prices are generally ok and service recognised as excellent.

With regard to your warranty if you have problems and suspect the new memory it is simple to remove it, if your problem remains leave it out and report the problem to the PC manufacturer as normal.

B

scooter100_2

thanks for the above but im slightly confused.went pack to pc world to ask them what ram i needed .service bloke said go home and look inside case.they actually had the same pc still for sale so i asked for a spec sheet.i was advised to go and see service as they have all the specs on computer database.went back to service guy and he just shrugged his shoulders said it was too new to be on the database.what a bunch of !!!!s.
anyway crucial site also doesnt list my model (it is packard bell istart 352)
but does come up with the following info

You have 1 empty memory slot(s) out of 2 total memory slots.
Your computer currently has 256 MB of memory installed; and will support up to 2048 MB.
Slot 1
256 MB
Non-parity DDR PC3200

Slot 2
Upgrade this slot


what does the above mean?

thanks in advance

T4i

Means you have 1 stick of 256MB PC3200 (200/DDR400Mhz).

You can put another stick of 256MB PC3200 in, or a stick of 512MB PC3200, or a 1GB stick of PC3200.

basill

Looks like you ran the System scanner, did you click on the slot which said "upgrade this slot". Doing this should take you to on a page of suitable RAM.

B

wonderfullife_2

Hi
Go back to crucial, and scan again, when you've done that look for more info on what it recommends and is compatable for your system, and if you want you can buy it from there.

Hope this helps

scooter100_2

basill wrote:

Looks like you ran the System scanner, did you click on the slot which said "upgrade this slot". Doing this should take you to on a page of suitable RAM.

B

hi
it doesnt let me click on the slot which says "upgrade this slot" it just highlights it

scooter100_2

wonderfullife wrote:

Hi
Go back to crucial, and scan again, when you've done that look for more info on what it recommends and is compatable for your system, and if you want you can buy it from there.

Hope this helps

hi
it doesnt recommend anything because its asking to pick a packard bell model but my model isnt listed

wonderfullife_2

Hi Scooter
When it scans your system, it wil bring you to a page, where it says "Crucial Recommends" and it will list all, if you look next to this it also says "All Compatiable Upgrades, click on this and it will now show you all the ram that you can buy for your system.

Hope this helps

PS Its nothing to do with the make and model of your pc, it looks at whats compatiable for your motherboard.