Updating a computer

Id like to update this computer just a tad. Its below its requirements on itself already and barely run programs without them taking a while to open and load. Like photoshop and picture programs. Anyways the computer has a problem which it was reformated to fix it ghetto way, but I was told it won't make a difference with adding hardware to the system problem. So my specs I have now is... Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz Processor, 2.73 GHz Processor speed, 256mb Ram, Microsoft Windows Home Edition and believe SP3 and all updated. On my other thread I got info on RAM and a site to go to so I could check it out and see what would work(I was just told to make sure its exact kind it is already in it). And then my other question I was asking them was how to add the new ram? Got to remember I am a dummy.

 

Once you have got the sticks you need you pretty much just need to open your case and pop them into place.

How much are you getting?

Q

 

You have no other hardware thread... mind giving us a link to it?

 

is it a dell or a HP or something? if it is what model? because motherboards have a limit of how kmuch RAM they can hold and use.

 

They have a limit I thoguht as long as you buy the right one and it has slots for them you can put as much

 

nope, theres a limit. my computer has 4 slots for ram, with a max of 8gb. So if I was to put in more than 2 4GB sticks of ram (LINK) it wouldnt recognise more than 8GB. need to know the make/model of your PC to know what the capacity is

 

Its a Dell computer. I can't find thread it was with one guy only who is a trusted helper around here. The thing I was worried about with the RAM thread was that my computer is ghetto starts, when it was crappy fixed with Cd instead of clean reinstall... it started up and looked for disk floppy( and couldn't get past So I had to disable in something and now it just starts up weird), and I was really worried due to my ghetto computer ways that adding RAM could make it not start up at all, and my second question was would reformate fix my grabby fix by someone.. and they said yes reformate will fix it back to normal, and no my crappy start up will not harm the Ram or cause it to not start up. I am just worried Ill add stuff and it fuk something up. Anyways I got a link to crucial or whatever the site was. And I put my computer info in it, and it gave me some RAM up to 2 G and it was like 2 or 3 sticks.. Well I never put RAM in.. And I really don't know where it was. SO I looked on youtube posted a easy link and asked if it was really that simple.. the video stuck it in and it said new hardware when started and he open it up and installed it like a new program would.. then other videos showed them adding RAM then start was blue screen and going through this and that.. and etc (hard stuff) and I was like which one is it? hard or easy looking on adding the RAM. This is the video I said is it really this easy? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLPuhVR1X5E

 

That would be a Malware Forum thread.

Ignore YouTube and check your computer manual for installation instructions. YouTube videos are only helpful if you know what to look for and can evaluate them properly.

 

Generally, installing ram is as simple as pushing it into the slot and away you go. I've never had it any other way. just need to make sure you buy the right speed for your PC

 

Yes I had one in Malware but the thread I am thinking with the RAM was in software or hardware maybe.. Because I was asking if I did add RAM I was asking if it mess up because my computer ghetto fix. And it was either with Bill or hrlow pretty sure BILL ... cant think of how his whole name was on here. But do you guys think Ill be fine with just adding some RAM, up to 2 G or something? They said just for normal system I should have 2 G. So I was asking is that all I need or what else..

 

Its Dell Dimension 4700. Off the link to crucial or whatever the site is.. it said they suggest buying 1 G or 3. something Nothing in the middle.. like 2 G

 

They have 2GB kits... scroll down and look at the entire list of upgrades, and it's in there.

 

I click show all and seen these two 2 G kits. http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=6524D8B1A5CA7304 and http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=80ABFAD3A5CA7304 . Now whats the difference other then me reading stuff I really don't know. Why look at kits instead of just a stick of RAM (kit mean 2 peice or something)? I don't know.. And is that site really okay to buy from with credit card?

 

The Dimension 4700 can't handle single 2GB parts. Also, by using 2GB kits you get dual channel functionality.

Crucial has been online for ten years or so, if they weren't safe I'm sure we'd have heard about it by now. I have bought from them several times without any issues.

 

So kit means like theres two sticks instead of 1 stick (is that what you mean by a kit). So the two I posted links to, is it wrong to go with cheaper kit of the 2G of 2 sticks? And also do you think just RAM would help my computer perform. Its already alright, but just for picture programs and photoshop and etc.. kinds slow. So is just RAM good enough?

 

A kit is a pair of memory modules guaranteed and tested to be identical. The cheaper kit will actually work better for your system... the black ones are over-clock parts, and Dell won't let you make the necessary BIOS changes to get the full efficiency from them.

As or if it will be enough or not... that depends a lot on what you use your PC for.

 

So (sense I don't exactly know which is the RAM I could guess. Cause I know it looks like a stick, and in this computer I don't know if theres anything else in there that look like it. I thought ram was sticking out and screwed in by screw in back or something but oh well. Anyways I buy them, and stick them in and I hopefully restart with no issues? Or it say add this or that?

 

Crucial has an install guide on their website. Look it over, it will be really helpful for you.

 

Alright thanks for the link. Whats DIMM stand for? And I keep my old RAM in right to?

 

Dual Inline Memory Module.

You should be able to keep your old RAM no problem.

I'm out for tonight now. :wave I'll check in tomorrow, if you have more questions.

 

One last question. Many types of RAM and specs in those RAM. Why does RAM have to be "specific" because noone around here sells computer stuff. Other then that thanks a lot!

 

There are several different kinds of RAM available on the market, and the different kinds are not interchangeable. You can't put DDR2 in a DDR1 computer anymore than you can put gas in a diesel engine and expect it to run. That's why it's so important to find out your computer's RAM specifications before you start spending money.