How to optimize RAM memory?

Is there a way to optimize how smoothly the Pc runs without adding/downloading more things onto the laptop? I had to just do a complete reinstall of windows and I want to start off clean. I already have firewall up, virus and malware ready to go. I was just wondering if there was something to use the memory better.

The system is windows xp media, 2.0ghz and 1gb of ram ( could have sworn it was more, I may add another stick ) but for now thats what I have...

I may look into adding more...

How can I tell what ram I need for my particular laptop? Its an older one, Acer Aspire 5100.

Much thanks.

 

1GB of RAM should be more than enough for XP. What you can do is go to performance under the task manager and look at page file usage vs how much is free.

As for other maintenance: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106650

 

It says 545.. If I were to add say 2gb of RAM would it help with online browsing, running XP smoother?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134513

I found that.

Or this 1gb stick

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145048

I believe that I need DDR2-667 (PC2-5300) SO-DIMM for my laptop, correct?

 

BTW I already did that and another guide that I found by an admin on this forum.. It had the decrapizer or something in it.

 

could you take a screenshot of your performance tab on your task manager and post it?

1GB of memory should be more than enough for Windows XP. More probably wouldn't help.

 

Crucial says that a max of 4GB of PC5300 for this machine.

 

here ya go

 

you can use alt+print screen to capture only the active window.

From what I understand from the performance manager (it is really hard to understand sometimes), You have 494MB not being used by the OS (ie: free) and 512 being used. That means that about 16MB is being stored in your Virtual Memory. That is pretty good considering your browser is open.

Do you use Norton or Mcaffee? Those anti-viruses can use up a lot of RAM, and your RAM usage does seem to be a little high. You can also reduce RAM usage by disabling startup items. You can also turn down Windows visual effects.

Other than that, you may be able to increase the performance of your computer by a little bit by installing another Gig of RAM, but there are ways to reduce your RAM usage that does not cost you money.

 

Thanks guys. I did a ram check and ran it for 8hours and I guess all is well. It said no errors.

I may get another gig... but you say I wont notice anything from it? Also, I have done the ccleaner startup already, and I knew about the windows adjustment for visuals and all. Thanks fellas. I might get another gig stick, its 9.99 shipped.. not that expensive at all.

 

The ram check only checks the RAM for malfunctions.

And if you can get a gig of RAM for 9.99 shipped, I guess you should go for it.

 

Here it is for 9.99 shipped

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145048

and on the RAM check, it was on another thread of mine. I was having issues with the laptop and they told me to check the ram. I didnt mean to post that here on this thread.

 

Crucial is a good brand. It constantly amazes me how cheap memory has become.

 

Haha tell me about it. its 23 shipped I believe for a 2gig stick.

 

I built this PC on a shoestring, with only one gig of ram.
I run XP-Pro and with one gig, tweaked and tuned, it ran pretty darn'd good!
Then when I got a real deal on a second 1-gig stick, I went ahead and added it.
The improvement in performance was very noticeable.

But on a laptop, the biggest bottleneck in the system is always the hard drive.
They turn slower than desktop drives and have a narrower data bus.
So for best performance, you need to Minimize HD activity, as much as you can.
For that reason, I always load the Kernel into ram during boot up, so the OS doesn't have to constantly access the HD.

Windows Media Center? A truly horrible version of Windows. I'd rather have windows ME!:cry:-D:-D

But anyway, since you can do so many things with enough ram, I always suggest to my customers that they max out the ram on any new Laptop they buy.

Happy Holidays Everyone!
The Shadow :cool

 

thanks

 

Check out FreeRAM XP Pro 1.52 from http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1670

I have been using it for well over a year. I wouldn't run an XP PC without it.

As for 2 gigs of RAM being better, in XP, than 1 gig. It really depends on how heavy you drive your PC. I have 2 gigs installed in my XP Pro laptop. Most times only 500-600 megs of RAM are in use, so nearly 1.5 gigs of RAM is rarely used. FreeRam XP Pro will keep you informed on RAM usage. Double click it occasionally for really up-to-date info.

When I am on the Net I have up to 75 processes loaded and still > 1.5 gigs free. See thumbnail. FreeRam figure is in the middle of the second row. (1536 megs FREE)

Bazza