How to Speed Up Slow Computer Systems with RAM

The benefits derived from adding Random Access Memory (RAM) are substantial. Tweaking Windows system settings or downloading software aimed to clean, fix, or remove errors offer some system performance gains but they are often minimal and can put your system at risk. RAM upgrades, on the other hand, boost speed by adding needed system resources without altering your operating system settings. Programs and files remain unaffected ensuring you will not lose data, or chance a system change that cannot be reversed, as is sometimes the danger when software code is re-written. RAM is a hardware component.

It depends on how much more RAM your system will support. Because most computers are purchased with only base RAM installed at the factory, there is a good chance the gain can be substantial. It is not uncommon that you could double, triple, or even quadruple your current system RAM. This will offer much more performance increase than tweaking, defragging, or cleaning files and directories since RAM is the resource most responsible for blazing computer speed. I will show you, right now, how you can find out exactly how much RAM you could potentially add to your Windows computer.

The file on your PC that contains the information you need is: System Information. Here is where you will find it. From your Start Menu, follow the path: Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information. Within System Information, the System Summary heading should be highlighted by default. If not, highlight it. You want to find the following two specs (scroll if necessary).

1) Total Physical Memory

2) Total Virtual Memory

Total Physical Memory is the amount of RAM currently installed on your computer. Total Virtual Memory is the maximum amount of RAM your system can utilize. If the amount installed is less than the system max, you know there is room for upgrade. You can also project the performance gain you stand to realize. If the installed RAM is 512MB, and the max RAM is 4GB, you can increase it by 8 times. To help you understand how I arrived at that number, the conversion formula for Megabytes (MB) to Gigabytes (GB) is: 1024MB = 1GB. 512MB x 8 = 4096MB, or 4GB. Alternately, if your installed RAM is 128MB and the system max is 256MB, you stand to double your current RAM. However, if this is close to your actual system specs, you are probably running Windows 95, 98, or ME and while you will boost performance significantly, you face limits in other areas. For instance, Windows Vista recommends a minimum of 512MB. So it would not be recommended to upgrade to that operating system with your current computer even at max RAM. You would want buy a new computer to run Vista because the newer computers will support higher RAM. But as long as you are comfortable with your current operating system, maxing out the RAM is the most cost-effective, and reliable way to boost performance. Actual cost depends on your system and amount of RAM. But expect $40-$80 as an average. RAM upgrades benefit both PCs and MACs alike.

If you found this helpful, and see some RAM upgrade potential, I encourage to link to Speed Up Slow Computer Systems where you will find more info about RAM upgrades, including a complete and easy step-by-step guide for start to finish upgrade. There are even video demonstrations of actual upgrades. RAM upgrades are inexpensive, safe, effective, quick, and easy for anyone to do.

Alternately, if you have upgraded RAM before or are technically-inclined and want to go direct to an online memory vendor, I recommend Silicon Mountain Memory (SMM). My research on RAM suppliers finds SMM Direct to be best in category. You get 30-40% discounts, online memory finder tool, printable installation guides, online chat assistance, and a performance boost guarantee. Current promotions include free shipping, and free 2GB USB Drive with orders of $200 or more. Link to SMM Direct here for complete details.