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    Do I need a RAM upgrade or a new computer?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Ella Grande, Jan 22, 2008.

  1. Ella Grande

    Ella Grande Notebook Evangelist

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    Recently my computer has been running a little too slow for my needs. At first I was planning to upgrade to a whole new computer, but if I can just upgrade a part it would be much easier. It has a 1.66 ghz intel core solo processor with 512mb of RAM. The things that I've noticed to be slower are the startup and when I'm in iTunes and in My Documents at the same time. And sometimes when I'm only in My Documents the computer will just randomly freeze for about a minute. Can somebody help me? All replies are appreciated.
     
    Ella Grande, Jan 22, 2008
    #1
  2. themanwithsauce

    themanwithsauce Notebook Evangelist

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    What OS? And additional ram is always good when you're talking having less than 1gig of ram. I'd open up your computer and see if there is a free ram slot. If it does, look up what speed of ram your computer needs and go out ad buy a 1 gig stick. Insert it and enjoy the increased performance.
     
    themanwithsauce, Jan 22, 2008
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  3. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    If its hanging, when loading my documents and such, than he needs to go out and buy a new harddrive.

    It would be beneficial to buy an extra 1Gb of memory, as its very cheap.

    If your laptop has a good draphics card, well at least one that not an intel, than you should just upgrade the harddrive and all will be better.

    I suggest getting a Hitachi 7K200 harddrive, as they are the fastest notebook drives on the market.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Jan 22, 2008
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  4. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    When these "lags" happen look and see if the HDD is lighting up. That will tell you much. But the general recomendations of HDD & RAM upgrade make sense.
     
    powerpack, Jan 22, 2008
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  5. michacerboy

    michacerboy Notebook Consultant

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    Agreed.I just installed a 7k200 and every time it reads/writes, my whole house lights up like its going warp speed :D

    If you dont want to buy a new HD, definately do a fresh OS install.
     
    michacerboy, Jan 22, 2008
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  6. Ella Grande

    Ella Grande Notebook Evangelist

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    Thank you for the reply. I noticed that when my computer freezes up the hard drive light turns on. Is it possible that my computer has a virus and thats why the hard drive is running slow? I'm almost certain that when I got the computer it was running faster than it is now, so there must be a problem.

    Edit: My operating system is Windows XP.
     
    Ella Grande, Jan 24, 2008
    #6