newbie : question on RAM

[mrfrogs]

These are the specs:
450 mhz Intel Pentium III
64 MB RAM
Now if I want 256MB should I buy a 256MB kit or 192MB?
Thanks.

[Imperion1]

I'd look at upgrading the CPU first, and then the memory.
What OS are you running? What kind of ram?

64mb of ram in itself really isn't much for running graphic apps. And a 192mb stick of ram isn't possible. They're not made.
Depending on how many ram slots you have, you can go with this:
Your 64mb ram, 1 stick 128mb and 1 stick 64mb.
Or 1 stick 256mb ram, they're so cheap now. Check out www.crucial.com

[gyoung]

Do you know what motherboard you have?

I would definitely upgrade your RAM. Do you have 1 stick of 64MB or 2 sticks of 32MB? I would go ahead and purchase 1 stick of 128MB with the way prices are right now. Go with www.crucial.com , they have the best RAM at great prices. Free 2nd day shipping too!

If you let us know what motherboard you have we can see if you can upgrade the processor.

[This message has been edited by gyoung (edited 07-05-2001).]

[Richard_Cranium72]

I've tested my machines with various amounts of RAM.

These are Highly Scientific tests using the latest of technology.

I use "System Monitor" to see when I run out of Physical Memory and get into the "Swap File"

128mb just don't cut the mustard, I find that a minimum of 192mb to keep my usual programs from consuming all available memory.

As cheap as memory is at this time, why not add a stick of 256 to your 64 to be sure.

$40.00 won't be wasted

[mrfrogs]

Thanks for telling me about crucial.com !!
Now how do I know what stick will fit my computer?

[DemonKnight]

Find out what mother board you have and then put the info into crucial and it will tell you.

[mrfrogs]

My computer has 64MB RAM. I have a lot of trouble using software like Dreamweaver 4 and Fireworks because they take to long to load. Is RAM what I need to speed them up?

[gyoung]

Could be. But we would need to know all your system specs.

Even with a 1.4Ghz Athlon or a 1.7Ghz P4 the 64MB of RAM would limit what you can do and slow you down. But with a 300Mhz Celeron or a 400Mhz K62 you should look at that first.

With RAM being as cheap as it is right now I'd go get some more regardless of what CPU you have.

[qball]

Absolutely, you would benefit from more RAM.

[mrfrogs]

How do I know what motherboard I have ?

[daveleau]

Well, you would have to see if there are any markings on the motherboard itself. A model number somewhere between the ISA or PCI slots. I would bet it is SDRAM and that you should get PC100/ PC133 SDRAM. This is the first mobo picture I could find.
http://www.tccomputers.com/graphics/.../fickw15_l.gif

See between the PCI slots at the bottom, it says KW15, that is a model number. Yours may or may not be int he same place, and may be a much longer number, as most are. See the large CPU holder (Socket 370) in the middle (large white square near the top)? Just to the right of it are two SDRAM slots (two black slots with beige end). If your system has those, then you are set and need to buy PC133 SDRAM (PC100 will be ok too, but PC133 is marginally better).

Good luck
Dave