Aces High Bulletin Board

Help and Support Forums => Help and Training => Topic started by: Happy1 on July 24, 2005, 08:09:37 PM

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: Happy1 on July 24, 2005, 08:09:37 PM

Hello every1  :)   need some advice pls, I've an GE FX5200 with 128MB on a Dell Dimension 4300. The unit has 19GB, used 7.3GB, free 11.2GB.

Currently used for Trading & AH2, I'm planning to speed up my sys
by buying & installing 256MB RAM.   I'm not computer savvy.

What should I do purchase additional RAM or a new Display Card & if so which brand/model, my proposed outlay not to exceed
$125.00.   Ur suggestions ?  Thx  :)

Cheers,

Happy1  :D

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: StarOfAfrica2 on July 24, 2005, 08:48:28 PM

I think maybe you are looking at your hard drive information, no Dell computer I ever heard of has 19GB of RAM.  I'm going to assume that since you said you are buying a 256MB stick of memory, that this is what you currently have installed.

That said, you definitely want more memory.  Upgrading the video card is fine and all, but if your computer is bogged down swapping stuff back and forth from memory to hard drive to processor, your computer will never take advantage of a better video card.  Buy the RAM.

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: Eagler on July 24, 2005, 09:59:29 PM

yep, upgrade the ram...
http://www.memoryx.net/dim4315.html
looks like 512 is your limit, I would upgrade to that - $90

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: Deth7 on July 24, 2005, 11:25:49 PM

Think he means 19GB hard drive......

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: Tarmac on July 25, 2005, 01:56:09 PM

Happy,

Before you upgrade your RAM (memory), it's important to know what you've got to work with.  From the specs Eagler posted, it looks like you've only got 2 slots to work with, for a max of 512mb.  You need to know what's already in them.  Hopefully it's a single 256mb stick, in which case you'd only have to add another 256.  If it's split between 2x 128 sticks or any other combination, you'll have to replace all the memory to max it out at 512mb.    

A good program to run is Belarc Advisor (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html), which will give you an in-depth summary of your system.  It'll tell you how many memory slots you have to work with, and what's installed in them.  If you post Belarc's results, I'm sure someone would talk you through what to buy.

Title: Gratitude
Post by: Happy1 on July 25, 2005, 05:45:34 PM

Gentlemen, thx much 4 ur erudite advice, I've taken ur sugges- tions to heart & shall follow up on the purchase of RAM, now then:

Star...I appreciate ur recommendations to purchase more RAM.

Eagler ... grateful 4 ur seconding Star's advice & being kind enough to provide me with the appropriate Url, that certainly made things easier 4 me.

Deth7 .... lolol...told u that I know little about computers .. Hard Drive=19GB.

Tarmac .... thx much for advising me & providing the "Belarc" url,
u opened up a new world 2 me as to what's in my computer, to wit., re. memory, my comp has 2 slots:
                                slot 'DIMM_A' has 256MB
                                slot 'DIMM_B' empty

Thereby I'm planning on purchasing 256MB PC 133 SDRAM DIM from MemoryX.

Btw a friend recommended that I purchase an "ANTI-STATIC WRIST STRAP", I understand what it's for, however, since I hardly
ever take my computer apart, do I REALLY NEED 2 have it or would it be just an unnecessary expense ...what do u say ?

Cheers,

Happy1  :D

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: MaddogJoe on July 25, 2005, 05:59:31 PM

Happy, a wrist strap, while a good idea, you can do with-out. Keep the main plug in, but be sure the computer  is off....no fans running... then just be for you remove the ram stick from the static bag, touch the case of your computer to be sure you have discharged any static electricity from your body. Odds are pretty good you won't have much, unless you spend time rolling around on your rugs  ;)

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: RTR on July 25, 2005, 06:01:19 PM

Happy1 it's probably a good idea to use the anti static strap.

It shouldn't cost you that much (heck you could make one yourself). If you don't, make sure that you ground yourself to the case BEFORE you start removing and fiddling with pooter 'ponents.

You can generate enough static electricity to damage some of the components just by walking across the carpet.

Not a difficult task to add Ram, just be careful and gentle with it.
Some have a little locking tab to snap in, so look carefully before installing.

Cheers

RTR

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: Happy1 on July 26, 2005, 02:22:44 PM

Thx every1, appreciate ur input, 256MB RAM ordered   :aok

Cheers,

Happy1  :D

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: Happy1 on July 30, 2005, 03:22:07 PM

Greetings every1  ;)

Ordered my 256MB of Ram from MemoryX on 07/26/05, rec'd the Ram yesterday 07/29/05, inserted the Ram into my "B" slot, fired
up my computer & voila I've 512MB Ram, tested the computer &
everything's a tad faster.

Great,speedy svc from MemoryX, I highly recommend the company

Thx to ALL the people who helped me  :aok

Cheers,

Happy1  :D

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: BTW on July 30, 2005, 04:18:19 PM

If the humidity is high, you have little to worry about with static electricity. (except maybe lightning :eek: )

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: DrDea on August 11, 2005, 04:19:13 PM

Quote

touch the case of your computer to be sure you have discharged any static electricity from your body. Odds are pretty good you won't have much, unless you spend time rolling around on your rugs

  What about a Full grown Collie.Scratching her head while working on the computer on a hot,dry day.Is that a bad thing??:rolleyes:

Title: RAM or Display Cards?
Post by: Schutt on August 12, 2005, 01:51:10 AM

Thats ok as long as the collie doesnt do the work, his teeth are a bit hard on the ram sticks.