Ram

water · 21-04-2008, 19:02

My computer has a 40Gb Hard Drive and 256Mb Ram.What I wonder is,instead of putting in another matching 256Mb Ram could I put in 2 X 512Mb Ram ?.And is it even worth doing

.I run Windows XP and currently burn photos to CD so they don't clog up the Hard Drive,but I also plan to get an external Hard Drive dedicated for photos..

Larne · 21-04-2008, 19:22

256MB is not a lot of memory for anything these days. If you are doing any kind of image manipulation then the more memory you can put in the better. I'm guessing that at the moment it is feeling pretty slow.

As to whether you can fit 2x 512MB the answer is probably yes but without knowing more about the specifics it is hard to give a more accurate answer. XP will certainly handle 1GB of RAM without any problems.

water · 21-04-2008, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larne

256MB is not a lot of memory for anything these days. If you are doing any kind of image manipulation then the more memory you can put in the better. I'm guessing that at the moment it is feeling pretty slow.

As to whether you can fit 2x 512MB the answer is probably yes but without knowing more about the specifics it is hard to give a more accurate answer. XP will certainly handle 1GB of RAM without any problems.

Yes,it is slow.Very slow

.I use CS2 and have recently bought a copy [legit] of CS3 but am 'scared' to install it in case it won't work.I don't have the disc to re-install CS2 if it all goes wrong

.I have been thinking of getting a new computer so I guess if I installed CS3 and it screwed things up the decision is taken and a new computer it will need to be

silkstone · 21-04-2008, 19:34

I think it would be better to get a new PC, if possible. Your computer may be able to accept more RAM, but it's likely to be an obsolete type and could be expensive. You'd notice a huge difference in performance with a modern machine - not just because of more memory but also faster processor, disk access, etc.

I have an old Pentium-4 2.4GHz machine which I upgraded to 1.5GB RAM and a 200GB drive, and that is still slow at running XP. (Ideal for Linux, but I guess you're not wanting to do that.

)

What's money for anyway?

water · 21-04-2008, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by silkstone

I think it would be better to get a new PC, if possible. Your computer may be able to accept more RAM, but it's likely to be an obsolete type and could be expensive. You'd notice a huge difference in performance with a modern machine - not just because of more memory but also faster processor, disk access, etc.

I have an old Pentium-4 2.4GHz machine which I upgraded to 1.5GB RAM and a 200GB drive, and that is still slow at running XP. (Ideal for Linux, but I guess you're not wanting to do that.

)

What's money for anyway?

I tend to think you are right,but being a tightwad Jock...........

.Yes,the thought of a nice new system is appealing.I have visited PC World and Comet and had a look.I like the idea of a 'compact' sized processor [Acer and Dell] and a flat screen as space is an issue.

**Dabhand16** · 21-04-2008, 20:17

If you look at the system requirements on the box of CS3 it does specify a minimum of 512mb of RAM, and I guess that CS2 will be similar.

As said, with the system you have now, the best solution is to bite the bullet and get a new computer.

water · 21-04-2008, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

If you look at the system requirements on the box of CS3 it does specify a minimum of 512mb of RAM, and I guess that CS2 will be similar.

As said, with the system you have now, the best solution is to bite the bullet and get a new computer.

Cheers for all comments.What are peoples views on Laptops.Some of them seem 'powerful' enough as in 2Gb Ram and 160 Gb Hard Drive [or more] all for around the £500-£600 mark.I only have a 17in Monitor at present so can live with that.Also,is an AMD processor a sort of 'cheap' option compared to Intel ?

**Dabhand16** · 21-04-2008, 21:14

Not such an easy question to answer. For sure, the higher spec laptops are powerful enough to handle most things, and they are compact. The problems are that they have very limited or no ability to be upgraded, and spare parts may not be available after a very short time, or may be so expensive that repairs are not economic. Desktops are easier to work on (if necessary) and there are loads of 'standard' parts that can be fitted into the larger cases. Many laptops can only accept the original components as they are shaped to fit together in the tiny space available. The very portability of the laptop does make it more vulnerable to being dropped or knocked.

I have a laptop, but only consider it as a convenience - not as a replacement for a desktop. Having said that, I know plenty of people who only have laptops.

AMD are just a different make of processor. the end user will not notice any difference.

Chris H · 21-04-2008, 21:46

Go for a desktop m8

I've got both and to be honest I hardly ever use my laptop, even if I do it's only for surfing.

Go and have a look at a few desktops and see whats available. I'll get slated for this but try and steer away from Dell, they have made some good machines but also a lot of dreadfull ones.

Emachines tend to be low spec or out of date models.

You can't got too far wrong with HP or HP-Compaq

Do not buy and extended warrenty unless you like burning money.

And whatever you do make sure you make any disks it asks you to when you buy it, you'll live to regret it if you don't.

Either that or go nick Sylkys new machine LOL

silkstone · 21-04-2008, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris H

Either that or go nick Sylkys new machine LOL

Which now appears to be 100% operational.

Or at least as operational as Mr Gates' garbage will allow.

water · 21-04-2008, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris H

Go for a desktop m8

I've got both and to be honest I hardly ever use my laptop, even if I do it's only for surfing.

Go and have a look at a few desktops and see whats available. I'll get slated for this but try and steer away from Dell, they have made some good machines but also a lot of dreadfull ones.

Emachines tend to be low spec or out of date models.

You can't got too far wrong with HP or HP-Compaq

Do not buy and extended warrenty unless you like burning money.

And whatever you do make sure you make any disks it asks you to when you buy it, you'll live to regret it if you don't.

Either that or go nick Sylkys new machine LOL

Had heard HP were 'reliable' right enough.Can you clarify the bit I have underlined above as I can't seem to make sense of it

**Dabhand16** · 21-04-2008, 22:04

I think he means recovery disks.

water · 21-04-2008, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

I think he means recovery disks.

Is that the programmes etc thats loaded on the computer when you buy it,and if so don't you usually get the discs anyway?.

**Dabhand16** · 21-04-2008, 22:14

No - they are disks that the system might ask you to make during the installation usually of the operating system. Most computers come with pre-installed software, as you say, so maybe the original disks are usable as boot disks.

I have to say, my knowledge in this area is patchy on a good day!

21-04-2008, 19:02	#1 (permalink)
water Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 674	Ram My computer has a 40Gb Hard Drive and 256Mb Ram.What I wonder is,instead of putting in another matching 256Mb Ram could I put in 2 X 512Mb Ram ?.And is it even worth doing.I run Windows XP and currently burn photos to CD so they don't clog up the Hard Drive,but I also plan to get an external Hard Drive dedicated for photos..

21-04-2008, 19:22	#2 (permalink)
Larne Been here a while Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Warrington, Cheshire, UK Posts: 450	Re: Ram 256MB is not a lot of memory for anything these days. If you are doing any kind of image manipulation then the more memory you can put in the better. I'm guessing that at the moment it is feeling pretty slow. As to whether you can fit 2x 512MB the answer is probably yes but without knowing more about the specifics it is hard to give a more accurate answer. XP will certainly handle 1GB of RAM without any problems.

21-04-2008, 19:34	#4 (permalink)
silkstone Feet under the table Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Silkstone Common, Yorkshire, UK Posts: 3,416	Re: Ram I think it would be better to get a new PC, if possible. Your computer may be able to accept more RAM, but it's likely to be an obsolete type and could be expensive. You'd notice a huge difference in performance with a modern machine - not just because of more memory but also faster processor, disk access, etc. I have an old Pentium-4 2.4GHz machine which I upgraded to 1.5GB RAM and a 200GB drive, and that is still slow at running XP. (Ideal for Linux, but I guess you're not wanting to do that. ) What's money for anyway? __________________ "I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers" - Mahatma Gandhi

21-04-2008, 20:17	#6 (permalink)
Dabhand16 Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Dunstable Bedfordshire UK Posts: 9,000	Re: Ram If you look at the system requirements on the box of CS3 it does specify a minimum of 512mb of RAM, and I guess that CS2 will be similar. As said, with the system you have now, the best solution is to bite the bullet and get a new computer.

21-04-2008, 21:14	#8 (permalink)
Dabhand16 Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Dunstable Bedfordshire UK Posts: 9,000	Re: Ram Not such an easy question to answer. For sure, the higher spec laptops are powerful enough to handle most things, and they are compact. The problems are that they have very limited or no ability to be upgraded, and spare parts may not be available after a very short time, or may be so expensive that repairs are not economic. Desktops are easier to work on (if necessary) and there are loads of 'standard' parts that can be fitted into the larger cases. Many laptops can only accept the original components as they are shaped to fit together in the tiny space available. The very portability of the laptop does make it more vulnerable to being dropped or knocked. I have a laptop, but only consider it as a convenience - not as a replacement for a desktop. Having said that, I know plenty of people who only have laptops. AMD are just a different make of processor. the end user will not notice any difference. __________________ Graham

21-04-2008, 21:46	#9 (permalink)
Chris H Been here a while Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK Posts: 356	Re: Ram Go for a desktop m8 I've got both and to be honest I hardly ever use my laptop, even if I do it's only for surfing. Go and have a look at a few desktops and see whats available. I'll get slated for this but try and steer away from Dell, they have made some good machines but also a lot of dreadfull ones. Emachines tend to be low spec or out of date models. You can't got too far wrong with HP or HP-Compaq Do not buy and extended warrenty unless you like burning money. And whatever you do make sure you make any disks it asks you to when you buy it, you'll live to regret it if you don't. Either that or go nick Sylkys new machine LOL __________________

21-04-2008, 22:04	#12 (permalink)
Dabhand16 Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Dunstable Bedfordshire UK Posts: 9,000	Re: Ram I think he means recovery disks.

21-04-2008, 22:14	#14 (permalink)
Dabhand16 Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Dunstable Bedfordshire UK Posts: 9,000	Re: Ram No - they are disks that the system might ask you to make during the installation usually of the operating system. Most computers come with pre-installed software, as you say, so maybe the original disks are usable as boot disks. I have to say, my knowledge in this area is patchy on a good day!

21-04-2008, 22:22	#15 (permalink)
water Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 674 <