Computer RAM upgrade

polybear

I'm in the process of upgrading an old Compaq Deskpro computer for cheap internet access + wordprocessing (no games!). It's currently got 64mb of SDRAM (100Mhz). I'm thinking of fitting a compatible 256Mb Ram from Kingston, alongside the existing 64Mb module. Will this improve the speed please? Thanks.

Polybear.

p.s. It's a Pentium 2, about 300 - 400Mhz.

maforduk

No, Try not to mix and match RAM, they will have an adverse effect.
Your best solution is to install the Kingston and remove the 64Mb RAM.

akmodi

HI -- get the Kingston RAM -- this will be new -- so of a highre speed --- so should work staright off (make sure that your motherboard will take 256mb -- some of the old ones -- only take 128mb).

Otherwise --- tkae the older 64mb off

Cheers

polybear

Thanks for the replies - I got a secondhand RAM module from EBAY and so far it seems ok. Looking at running a memory test though, just to make sure......
polybear

JSF

Does extra Ram make a big difference?

I got a laptop with 256mb Ram with a slot to put in an extra 256mb, what will that do other than cost me some money. It is 4 year old and getting a little slow with all the applications I got running.

fguk

Extra memory normally helps to speed up your computer "in use" ie, after its started, and while you are loading and un-loading applications.

If you have windows 98 or ME, then 256Mb of ram is probably ok, and not worth upgrading.

If you have Windows 2000 then an extra 256Mb is a great way of speeding it up.

If you have Windows XP then 512Mb ram in total, should be what people recommend as a minimum.

polybear

I think it'll be well worth doing - though I'm not sure how easy it is to do in a laptop. Look at the Crucial and Kingston websites for information.
I've put an extra 512 Mb into my Packard Bell XP (was 256Mb) and also just put an extra 256Mb into an old Compaq Windows 98SE (was 64Mb) without any regrets.

Polybear.

p.s. Make SURE you use proper anti-static precautions. What many people don't realise is that static damage may cause failure in the future, and not necessarily immediately. Static electricity can easily be in the tens of thousands of volts - poor little computer chips don't stand a chance......