Would more memory help?

Norman-B

My old Desktop PC is getting very sluggish. I wondered if adding extra memory would speed things up. I'm not expecting to have instant use when I switch on and wondered if the added memory would help.

PC is about 5-6 years old and Windows 7 installed. I have a laptop that I use to do a little video and photo sorting, that is an i5 and is fine. Funny thing is, I much prepare the old desktop to email/surf web on.

Memory:

DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-8500, DDR2 PC2-5300Memory Type: DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-8500, DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 (non-ECC)
Maximum Memory: 8GB
Currently Installed Memory: 2GB
Total Memory Slots: 4
Available Memory Slots: 2

1GB
DDR PC2-5300

1GB


EMPTY
EMPTY




Would I be better to get completely new memory or just add to what is there now?

Any advice most welcome.

TonyMMM

"New" memory will make no difference, and 2Gb should be ample for most needs - assuming it has run OK in the past, any slowdown is far more likely to be software related.

I would see what is running on startup and get rid of everything you don't need - or if possible do a clean install of Win7. That should make a huge difference

Norman-B

Tony, many thanks for the reply and advice.

Regarding a clean install of Windows 7, the disc was in with a load of old CD's and software discs given to Oxfam last Summer. My grandson did such a good job of sorting my Den for me that he mistakenly included it with the 'junk'. And to think I then had to give him a £5 note!!

NiftyDigits

Brand name and model number of PC?

Norman-B

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Brand name and model number of PC?

Hewlett-Packard HP Compaq dc7800 Small Form Factor
System Serial Number: CZC84270RR
Chassis Serial Number: CZC84270RR
Enclosure Type: Low Profile Desktop

Hope this is what you require.

NiftyDigits

It was.

It appears it was supplied with Vista, so the HP Compaq Windows 7 recovery disc won't work.
There are a couple of reports suggesting that it does, but I don't believe them.

securityguy

Stick 1GB or 2GB sticks in each of the two spare slots for a total of 4GB or 6GB. The difference between 6GB and 8GB wouldn't justify chucking out the existing memory. 2GB will cost about 30 quid, 4GB about fifty.

NiftyDigits

2GB(2x1GB) DDR2-667 PC2-5300 Non-ECC Desktop PC £11.99

4GB(2x2GB) DDR2-667 PC2-5300 Non-ECC Unbuffered Desktop PC Memory £19.99

Though I suspect a clean install or clean up would be enough.

Norman-B

Thank you both for the helpful replies. I'm about to order using the links, thanks.

closed

it's unlikely to make any difference - look at task manager, performance and see commit charge, it should be well under 2GB

post a hijackthis log, scan with malwarebytes, cleanup with ccleaner, or reinstall

I_luv_cats

How much HDD space left.

(20% + free aids performance)