to this computer:
AMD XP 2000+ Processor
80GB HD
256MB PC2100 RAM
Integrated Graphics
Windows XP
Will I see a significant performance increase in Windows? Say I raise it to 512? 768? 1GB?
If I added more RAM...
Lord Mythirion
Snograt
I'd say stick in a Gigabyte. You should see quite an improvement to Windows, but games-wise, if it runs now, it' will run better. If it doesn't - don't hold your breath.
Nanood
You will see an improvement but it probably won't be as much as you would like. I agree with Snograt. Go for a Gig but if you are looking for an improvement in games invest some money in a graphics card.
Pleikki
Ram 1gb then shouldnt be expensive get some more memory and Graphics card would make it even more better. but yeah 1gt
Snograt
My advice: go to Crucial and use their system scanner. http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/index.aspx - just click the "Begin scan" button.
This will show you what memory types and configurations your system can support and will then try to sell you some. Crucial have competetive prices and a good range of brands, so that's probably all you need to do.
As others have said, a graphics card would help too. Probably AGP judging by your specs - almost any would be better than integrated graphics.
Be careful, though. Add up the price of the memory and a graphics card and you may well see the advantages of a brand new, moderately priced PC
This will show you what memory types and configurations your system can support and will then try to sell you some. Crucial have competetive prices and a good range of brands, so that's probably all you need to do.
As others have said, a graphics card would help too. Probably AGP judging by your specs - almost any would be better than integrated graphics.
Be careful, though. Add up the price of the memory and a graphics card and you may well see the advantages of a brand new, moderately priced PC
Quaker
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Lord Mythirion
AMD XP 2000+ Processor
80GB HD 256MB PC2100 RAM Integrated Graphics Windows XP Will I see a significant performance increase in Windows? Say I raise it to 512? 768? 1GB? |
The extra RAM would increase the performance of WinXP and apps, but as has been said, you're never going to get great performance in games with that cpu and integrated graphics.
chuxanator
the more ram you have the faster your pc will work
Tachyon
I can't see how your PC can actually run at the moment with just XP, 256MB and integrated/shared graphics. It must use the swap file more than it uses anything else.
whiteyboy
Upgrade man, everything is so cheap atm, you would only need to spend £100-200 to get it running pretty decent, thats if you know what you're buying 
Admael
You won't need more than 1GB on that machine 256MB is just too little.
2 Sticks of 512 MB @ PC3200 would be ideal.
2 Sticks of 512 MB @ PC3200 would be ideal.
Lord Mythirion
ty guys this is a friend's computer, and I wanted to make sure that he would see an actual increase in performance before spending $50 on RAM. He's got 2 slots total, so I'll just buy 2 512 sticks.
this is a friend's computer, and I wanted to make sure that he would see an actual increase in performance before spending $50 on RAM. He's got 2 slots total, so I'll just buy 2 512 sticks.
Brianna
Just make sure you buy the right ones.
There is 184 pin and 240 pin.. and such, have to read the Motherboard's manual and find out what type is compatible.
There is 184 pin and 240 pin.. and such, have to read the Motherboard's manual and find out what type is compatible.
Snograt
Like I said - use the Crucial scanner, it won't sell you the wrong type 
Admael
He's currently using PC2100, so it's obviously 184-pins!
So ask for PC3200 (DDR400). It's backwards compatible in case your board only supports PC2100 (DDR266).
I don't like Crucial scanner, it's not that it's bad, just that it's unnecessary to install. But that's my 2cents.
So ask for PC3200 (DDR400). It's backwards compatible in case your board only supports PC2100 (DDR266).
I don't like Crucial scanner, it's not that it's bad, just that it's unnecessary to install. But that's my 2cents.
Snograt
Bah, what's a little ActiveX between friends?
Heh, I sound like I work for Crucial the way I advertise that thing. It's just that I'm not the techiest person on earth (as you lot well know) and the scanner makes memory upgrades error-free. It's a great marketing tool for them as well - tells you what you need, then sells it to you.
Now, if there was a similar one that did a whole mobo scan and could tell you what memory/processor/gpu you could fit, this tech forum would shrink considerably!
Heh, I sound like I work for Crucial the way I advertise that thing. It's just that I'm not the techiest person on earth (as you lot well know) and the scanner makes memory upgrades error-free. It's a great marketing tool for them as well - tells you what you need, then sells it to you.
Now, if there was a similar one that did a whole mobo scan and could tell you what memory/processor/gpu you could fit, this tech forum would shrink considerably!
Aussie Boy
I found this was great and use it all the time CPU-Z
Snograt
True - cpu-z is a very nice little app.
For total technophobes, however, I stand by my suggestion
For total technophobes, however, I stand by my suggestion
Thizzle
256mb to 1gb will greatly reduce the loading time in populated districts.
my2cent
but wouldnt the graphic card be its bottle neck?
Snograt
Yes, but it's still going to be a significant improvement.
This is budget upgrading we're talking
This is budget upgrading we're talking
Admael
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Snograt
Now, if there was a similar one that did a whole mobo scan and could tell you what memory/processor/gpu you could fit, this tech forum would shrink considerably!
|
Pros: It does everything. Temp Sensors, Benchmark, Overclock Status (CPU, GPU, RAM, etc), OS Status (services, processes, AX/DLL files, drivers, etc), Mobo Detail, RAM Detail (speed timings, swap space, utilization, etc), CPU Detail, GPU Detail, Multimedia Status, Display Status (monitor, openGL, video modes, GPU status, fonts). Are just a few things it'll do, you'll have to believe it me, it does everything!
Cons: It's not free.
Now I sound like I work for Lavalys the way I advertise things!
Snograt
Mmmm - nice. CPU-z but much, much more - and only $35.
No what we should do is insist on people downloading the trial and generating a report before we (er, that is, you) offer support.
Hehe.
No what we should do is insist on people downloading the trial and generating a report before we (er, that is, you) offer support.
Hehe.