Testing RAM

[bwlegan]

I use my computer for dictation, using 'Dragon Naturally Speaking', and processing my old vinyl jazz records to cd-r.

I thought I could improve both response time and accuracy, for Dragon, by upgrading my RAM from 128MB to 640MB.

Although the upgrade is recognised by the BIOS and Win98, I have not noticed any improvement. In fact, one of my own bechmarks, an ATI demo running at 1600x1200, 32 seems to be jerkier and more likely to fail. Also my mouse pointer seems to fall asleep occasionally.

Although any ideas are welcome, I am looking for something that will severely test the RAM for an extended period, and report any problems. Or a good benchmark that I could use to test the system before and after adding the additional RAM.

Both the original 128MB and the additional 512MB are PC133, but not the same brand.

[Buji]

http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/memory/testerfaq.asp
The GoldMemory is diagnostic utility serving to thorough testing
non-error function of the memory subsystem on the platform of PC.
http://www.mtsoftware.cz/

[bwlegan]

Many thanks, Buji. I downloaded and ran Gold Memory. (Some of the fractured English is a little tricky). The 'Normal' test took about 6 hours. It confirmed there is nothing wrong with my RAM, just a bit less than fantastic in performance.

I guess that leaves me with W98/'App' configuration problems - misc. debris in the register. I can't say I look forward to reinstalling W98 without some guarantee of improvement, and perhaps will wait till I can afford the upgrade to W2000. Meanwhile though, I think I will go through the tedious process of reinstalling 'Dragon'.

Thanks,

Brendan